Intro

The Gilgit-Baltistan Goodwill Movement (GBGM) is more than just a charity — it’s a lifeline. It offers a second chance for persons with disabilities across one of Pakistan’s most remote and underserved regions. Through skills training, employment opportunities, and community inclusion, GBGM helps individuals rediscover purpose, independence, and dignity

Yet, when people visit the website, many leave inspired but not engaged. They see the vision and believe in the work, but they don’t always take the next step to donate or invest.

Why does that happen?

Even the most compassionate visitors often hesitate to act because of a few subtle barriers.

Generic reasons include:

1. The message touches the heart, but not the mind.
   Visitors may feel emotionally connected but still wonder what exactly their money accomplishes. They want to help but need a clear picture of how their contribution changes a life.
2. The story feels too broad.
   “Giving a second chance” is powerful — but it’s also abstract. Donors respond more when they can visualize real people and measurable outcomes.
3. The call to action isn’t clear or urgent.
   If the website doesn’t guide visitors toward an action (such as Donate Now or Support a Trainee), good intentions often fade.
4. There’s a trust gap.
   Online visitors need reassurance that their contribution will be used transparently and effectively. Without visible proof — impact reports, testimonials, or updates — even well-meaning donors hesitate.
5. Donating feels like effort.
   If the process requires too many steps or isn’t mobile-friendly, people postpone it — and usually never return.

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But There’s Something Deeper — Denial

Beyond these surface reasons lies a deeper, more uncomfortable truth: denial.

During my time in Pakistan, I once met a potential donor who walked into our office, eager to contribute — until they met the people our organization serves. They hesitated. Not because they didn’t believe in our mission, but because the individuals in front of them didn’t “fit the norm.”

This moment revealed something profound: society often denies the full humanity, capability, and dignity of persons with disabilities.

We talk about inclusion — but inclusion is often conditional. Many people want to help “the disabled,” but not necessarily see them as equals, colleagues, or leaders. It’s easier to donate from a distance than to confront our own biases face to face.

This isn’t malice; it’s a kind of cultural conditioning. Ableism is real — not only in policies or infrastructure but in perception. It lives quietly in our assumptions about what a person with a disability can achieve.

And yet, in a world where Artificial Intelligence and robotics are advancing faster than ever — technologies built to augment human ability — how can we still deny opportunity to those who already live with human diversity?

If we can imagine robots performing surgeries, driving cars, or teaching classes, then surely we can reimagine a society where persons with disabilities are recognized as innovators, professionals, and equal contributors to progress.

The real challenge, then, isn’t convincing people that our work matters — it’s helping them confront the denial that keeps them from seeing the people we serve as full and capable members of society.

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Outcome-Based Empowerment

This is why GBGM focuses on outcome-based projects — programs that don’t just offer charity but create measurable change:

• Skills training that leads directly to employment.
• Micro-grants that help people with disabilities start small businesses.
• Inclusive hiring partnerships with local enterprises.
• Public campaigns that normalise disability as part of human diversity, not an exception to it.

Each of these outcomes is a quiet act of resistance against denial — and a visible step toward inclusion.

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“Denial keeps people apart”

The Gilgit Baltistan Goodwill Movement (GBGM) was pleased to announce that on April 10, 2025, it had the honour of welcoming a distinguished donor delegation from the United States of America in Gakuch, Region Ghizer. The delegation, comprising members of the Dhanani and Manji families, visited the region as part of their ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes and community development in Gilgit-Baltistan. This significant visit marked a milestone in GBGM’s efforts to foster international partnerships that support vulnerable communities, particularly persons with disabilities, through inclusive and impactful initiatives.

Supporting disabled people through wheelchairs and sewing machines

The purpose of the donor delegation to Gakuch was to enable these communities to have some investment in these accessibility tools. Over 30 wheelchairs and 100 Sewing Machines were distributed within the region, marking one of the first events in the area.

We, as an organisation, are thankful to the college administration for their support during this event.

Regional Poverty Assessment

During the visit, the delegation saw firsthand the high levels of poverty in the region. Many families could not afford basic mobility aids such as wheelchairs for their children with disabilities. In several cases, parents were seen carrying their children on their backs as they moved around, highlighting the urgent need for support, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in essential health and mobility services for those most in need.

Caption – A CP Patient, with his Carer 24/7

The Imperative of Inclusion: Disability Rights and Social Integration

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The Imperative of Inclusion: Disability Rights and Social Integration

For years, the Gilgit Baltistan Goodwill Movement (GBGM) has remained neutral in explicitly advocating for disability rights. However, neutrality does not mean inaction. Too many have failed to prioritize the needs of disabled individuals, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion. Even immigrants, who have benefited from new opportunities abroad, have also failed to see beyond their struggles and advocate for those left behind. Inclusion is not simply a moral obligation; it is a fundamental human right and a necessary step toward a more equitable and prosperous society.

Understanding Disability Beyond Charity

Historically, disability has often been viewed through a lens of charity rather than rights. This outdated perspective, reinforced by personal indifference and societal apathy, has led to attitudes that treat disabled individuals as burdens rather than equal participants in society. While some individuals offer charitable support, this alone does not address the systemic barriers preventing disabled individuals from fully participating in society. True inclusion requires a shift from passive sympathy to active engagement, ensuring that disabled individuals have equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and public life.

Economic and Social Contributions Ignored by Individuals

Disabled individuals are not just recipients of assistance; they are valuable contributors to the economy and society. Yet, due to the unwillingness of many to recognize their potential, they are often denied opportunities to prove their worth. When provided with accessible infrastructure and inclusive policies, they can thrive in various professional fields. However, individuals—including employers, educators, and community members—continue to ignore this fact, choosing instead to exclude them from the workforce and social life. Even immigrants, despite having firsthand experience of overcoming barriers, have often failed to recognize the struggles of disabled individuals in their home communities and advocate for meaningful change. Those who choose not to engage in inclusive practices are not only denying disabled individuals their rights but are also weakening their own societies.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Ignored by Individuals

Disability rights are human rights, yet many individuals fail to acknowledge their personal responsibility in advocating for and supporting disabled individuals. In regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, a lack of personal commitment has contributed to inaccessible infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities for disabled individuals. The failure to act is not due to a lack of resources but rather a lack of willingness to prioritize inclusion. Even those who have been exposed to more inclusive societies, such as members of the diaspora, frequently neglect to apply these principles in their own communities.

The Role of Individuals in Change

Every individual has the ability—and the responsibility—to create a more inclusive society. Ignoring disability rights is an active choice that contributes to continued exclusion. People must challenge their own biases, advocate for accessibility in their communities, and provide direct support where needed. Those who remain passive in the face of exclusion are complicit in maintaining an unjust status quo. GBGM, as a movement dedicated to goodwill and social welfare, has a role to play in encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for advocating and acting in support of disability inclusion.

The Importance of Individual Donations

Achieving true disability inclusion requires financial support, and individual donations play a crucial role in ensuring that disabled people receive the services and opportunities they are entitled to.

These funds help provide essential services such as assistive technologies, accessible infrastructure, vocational training, and healthcare. Individuals who choose to contribute directly empower disabled individuals to lead dignified and independent lives. Philanthropy, when undertaken by individuals with a genuine commitment to change, can be a powerful force in addressing exclusion and creating a fairer society.

During Ramadan, your generosity can make a significant difference. Donate here to support disabled individuals and help drive meaningful change.

Practical Steps Individuals Can Take Toward Inclusion

To move beyond rhetoric, individuals must take concrete actions to integrate disabled people into society. These steps include:

1. Personal Advocacy: Speaking out against exclusion and encouraging inclusive policies in workplaces, schools, and communities.
2. Education and Awareness: Challenging personal biases and promoting disability awareness in daily interactions.
3. Accessible Spaces: Ensuring homes, businesses, and public spaces are designed with accessibility in mind.
4. Economic Inclusion: Supporting disabled entrepreneurs, hiring disabled employees, and advocating for fair hiring practices.
5. Community Engagement: Volunteering time, skills, and financial resources to support disabled individuals.
6. Donations and Direct Support: Providing financial contributions to organizations that advocate for disability rights and assist disabled individuals directly.

Conclusion

The inclusion of disabled individuals is not an optional act of goodwill but an essential aspect of a just and progressive society. Individuals have played a significant role in the continued marginalization of disabled people, and their inaction can no longer be tolerated. GBGM has the opportunity to encourage personal responsibility and integrate disability rights into its broader mission of social welfare. By embracing this shift, individuals can ensure that no member of society is left behind and take direct action to create a more inclusive and equitable future.

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Ramadan is more than hunger and thirst. It is more than the ritual of abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk. While fasting has been practiced for millennia—across civilizations, religions, and cultures—Ramadan carries a deeper essence for Muslims. It is a time of reflection, self-purification, and, above all, truth.

Yet, truth is not always comfortable. It is not always easy. In our communities, we often find ways to sidestep it, to veil it in pleasantries, or to ignore it altogether. But Ramadan calls us to something higher. It reminds us that fasting is not just about the body but also about the soul—about cleansing our intentions, confronting our shortcomings, and speaking with honesty even when it is difficult.

Truth in Speech and Action

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that fasting is incomplete without guarding one’s tongue from falsehood, slander, and harmful speech. Yet, how often do we see silence in the face of injustice? How often do we turn a blind eye to the struggles of the vulnerable—the poor, the disabled, the oppressed—because it is easier than speaking out?

Fasting from food is simple; fasting from dishonesty, hypocrisy, and indifference is far harder. Ramadan demands that we examine not just what we consume but also what we say, what we do, and what we ignore. It demands that we speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

Beyond Ritual: The Purpose of Fasting

Every civilization has known fasting in some form. Ancient Egyptians fasted in reverence to their gods. Greeks fasted for purification. Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews all observe fasts as acts of devotion. Islam, too, commands fasting—but with an emphasis on inner transformation.

The Qur’an states:

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness).” (Qur’an 2:183)

If fasting is meant to bring us closer to God, then surely it must bring us closer to truth as well. What good is an empty stomach if the heart is full of deceit? What good is abstaining from food if we do not abstain from injustice?

The Forgotten Pain

Once we were strangers, weary and worn,
Crossing the seas, through nights forlorn.
We sought refuge, a place to stand,
In lands that offered a helping hand.

Once we knew hunger, once we knew cold,
The weight of injustice, stories untold.
Yet now in comfort, we turn away,
From those in shadows, left to fray.

The disabled cry, yet who will hear?
Their struggles met with hollow cheer.
Do our prayers rise while they still weep?
Can we find peace while sorrow runs deep?

Do we not recall, in distant lands,
How weakness trembled in trembling hands?
How doors were shut and roads were steep,
How voices cracked, too hurt to speak?

Once, our feet were shackled tight,
By poverty’s chain, by endless plight.
We knocked on doors, we begged for aid,
Now, do we leave the weak betrayed?

The blind, the broken, those cast aside,
Their pain remains, though ours has dried.
Shall we forget the mercy shown,
And let their suffering turn to stone?

O you who walked the path of pain,
How can you now let it remain?
The weak, the weary—do not ignore,
For mercy fades when hearts go sore.

Shall we live in peace while they endure,
A world unkind, a fate unsure?
No, rise once more with hands that heal,
For faith is love, and love is real.

For what is faith, if not to care?
To lift the burden, to stand and share.
Let us not rest while one still cries,
For justice sleeps when kindness dies.

The Courage to Speak, the Will to Act

In our communities, silence is often mistaken for peace. We avoid speaking difficult truths out of fear—fear of judgment, fear of confrontation, fear of change. But Ramadan is not a month of fear. It is a month of courage, of standing firm in righteousness, of breaking not just our fasts at sunset but breaking the cycles of dishonesty and complacency that hold us back.

Truth is not always grand; sometimes, it is as simple as acknowledging our own faults. It is as simple as listening to those we have ignored, supporting those who suffer, and standing up for justice even when it is inconvenient.

So this Ramadan, let us fast in the fullest sense—not just from food and drink, but from falsehood and silence. Let us embrace truth, speak it with sincerity, and live by it with conviction. For a fast without truth is only hunger, but a fast with truth is transformation.

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Goodwill International SCIO: Empowering Disabled Communities in Scotland and Gilgit-Baltistan

Goodwill International SCIO, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), stands as a beacon of hope for diverse communities, promoting multiculturalism, inclusion, and integration across borders. The charity’s mission focuses on empowering underserved regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, while ensuring that disabled individuals—across all cultural, ethnic, and geographical boundaries—are fully included and have equal access to opportunities and services. As part of its growth, Goodwill International SCIO is also committed to working within Scotland, alongside its efforts internationally.

Scotland: A Land of Opportunity and Unity

Scotland has long been known for its inclusive environment and rich cultural diversity. With a history of welcoming immigrants and people from varied cultural backgrounds, it is the perfect setting for organizations like Goodwill International SCIO to thrive. Scotland’s emphasis on equality, social justice, and community empowerment provides a strong foundation for initiatives that aim to support people in both local and international contexts.

However, the journey to inclusion is not just about ethnic and cultural diversity—it is also about including individuals with disabilities in every aspect of society. Scotland is home to a growing disability rights movement, and Goodwill International SCIO is committed to ensuring that its work reaches disabled individuals, who often face additional barriers to full participation in community and society. The charity’s focus on inclusion guarantees that people with disabilities—whether in Scotland, Gilgit-Baltistan, or other regions—are not left behind but are part of the development process.

Gilgit-Baltistan: A Region in Need of Support

Gilgit-Baltistan, nestled in the northernmost part of Pakistan, is a stunning region rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. Yet, it remains one of the least developed areas, facing challenges such as limited access to infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Disabled individuals in this area, particularly those in rural or marginalized communities, often face compounded obstacles due to both geographic isolation and societal stigmas.

Goodwill International SCIO recognizes that sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan cannot ignore the needs of people with disabilities. The organization works to ensure that disabled individuals have access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, while advocating for their rights and integration into the wider community. By offering specialized support for disabled individuals, Goodwill International SCIO is helping to build an environment where all members of society, regardless of ability, can thrive.

South Asians in the UK: A Case Study of Community Integration and Empowerment

The South Asian community in the UK is diverse, vibrant, and has made significant contributions to British society. However, people from this background—like other minority groups—have often faced challenges in areas such as education, employment, and social mobility. For disabled South Asians, these challenges are often compounded by both cultural misunderstandings and a lack of accessible resources.

Goodwill International SCIO’s initiatives target not only South Asians in the UK but also ensure that disabled individuals from this community have access to equal opportunities. The charity advocates for improved accessibility in public spaces, educational institutions, and workplaces. It works to raise awareness about the intersection of disability and cultural identity, recognizing that disabled people from minority backgrounds may face unique challenges related to both their ethnicity and their disability.

For example, providing accessible healthcare and support for disabled South Asians ensures that they are included in community life, which is critical to promoting full participation in society. Goodwill International SCIO works to break down barriers, ensuring that cultural and disability-related needs are met simultaneously.

A Focus on Inclusivity

Goodwill International SCIO is committed to inclusive development, ensuring that no one is left behind. The organization actively works with individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. This focus on inclusivity means that disabled individuals, whether in Gilgit-Baltistan or within Scotland’s multicultural landscape, have equal access to opportunities that promote social, economic, and cultural integration.

This commitment goes beyond simply addressing physical barriers. Goodwill International SCIO advocates for a societal shift where disabled individuals are seen as equal participants, whether they are contributing to the local economy, attending school, or participating in cultural activities. Through education, awareness campaigns, and community-based projects, the organization ensures that disabled individuals are integrated into every level of community life.

Integration: Ensuring a Two-Way Process

Integration is a key principle of Goodwill International SCIO’s work. Integration goes beyond mere coexistence—it involves actively ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, can participate fully in society. This requires both support for disabled individuals to overcome barriers and a broader societal commitment to welcoming and adapting to diverse communities.

In Scotland, for example, Goodwill International SCIO advocates for a society where disabled individuals from minority and immigrant communities, such as South Asians, are not excluded or isolated. Similarly, in Gilgit-Baltistan, integration efforts are focused on making sure that disabled individuals are not left out of educational or healthcare advancements. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, the charity helps create stronger communities that benefit everyone, regardless of disability or cultural background.

Conclusion: A Vision for an Inclusive and Multicultural World

Goodwill International SCIO’s work exemplifies the intersection of multiculturalism, inclusion, and disability rights. By ensuring that people from all cultures and abilities have access to resources and opportunities, the charity fosters stronger, more cohesive communities. Whether in the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, within Scotland’s multicultural landscape, or in the lives of disabled individuals from South Asian backgrounds, the principles of inclusivity and integration guide the organization’s work.

The future of a truly inclusive society lies in recognizing that all individuals, regardless of their background or ability, should have equal opportunities to contribute and participate. By supporting disabled individuals alongside all others, Goodwill International SCIO is helping to create a more connected, inclusive world—where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is valued and supported.

Working with Donors: Challenges and Difficulties

Engaging with donors is vital for non-profit organizations, as they provide the financial foundation necessary to drive meaningful change. However, working with donors often comes with its own set of challenges, requiring careful planning, persistence, and the ability to align their interests with the mission of the organization.

When I started the Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement, the primary objective was to create a platform that could effectively engage donors and rally support for a greater cause: empowering marginalized communities, especially those with disabilities, in one of the most remote and underserved regions of Pakistan. The mission was born out of the realization that the existing support systems were inadequate and that sustainable change could only be achieved through collective responsibility and the involvement of compassionate contributors.

While supporting individuals like Amjad and many others facing daily struggles, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of donor engagement. Every contribution, no matter how small, became a lifeline for individuals who had lost hope. However, the journey was not without hurdles.

Establishing trust with donors required consistent transparency, accountability, and storytelling that highlighted the real impact of their contributions. At the same time, navigating cultural differences, limited resources, and the logistical challenges of working in a geographically isolated area often tested the resilience of the movement.

Yet, these challenges also underscored the importance of perseverance and the need for innovative approaches to donor engagement. By creating awareness through social media campaigns, fostering personal connections, and demonstrating measurable outcomes, the movement was able to inspire a growing network of supporters dedicated to uplifting the disabled community in Gilgit Baltistan.

In reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that the heart of donor engagement lies in shared values and the belief that even the smallest acts of generosity can create ripples of change.

That being said, a significant challenge we faced was building trust with donors who contributed through platforms like Facebook. While their generosity was instrumental in supporting our efforts, many of these donors expressed hesitation about the long-term impact and legitimacy of our work. This skepticism stemmed largely from the lack of formal organizational structure at the time.

To address this, it became clear that transforming the Gilgit Baltistan Goodwill Movement into a formal registered charity was essential. Establishing a structured and transparent framework would not only enhance credibility but also provide donors with the assurance that their contributions were being managed responsibly and effectively. A formal charity would allow us to implement rigorous accountability measures, present detailed financial reports, and demonstrate the tangible impact of their support on the ground.

This realization marked a pivotal moment for the movement. By transitioning into a formal entity, we aim to bridge the trust gap, foster stronger donor relationships, and attract sustainable funding for our initiatives.

The ultimate goal remains unchanged: to empower the marginalized, especially individuals with disabilities, and to ensure that every donation creates lasting change in Gilgit Baltistan.