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 This outdated perspective, reinforced by personal indifference and societal apathy, has led to attitudes that treat disabled individuals as burdens rather than equal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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Empowering Voices: Hope for the Voiceless in Our Communities

In a world where many individuals still face barriers to inclusion, a profound and thought-provoking article on Simerg titled “The Straight Path and the Disabled: Hope in the Voiceless Community” invites us to reflect on the challenges experienced by differently-abled individuals and our collective role in empowering them.

This article highlights how compassion, inclusivity, and understanding can transform lives, build unity, and foster hope for those who are often left unheard. As members of a global community, we share a responsibility to create environments where everyone—regardless of ability—can thrive.

📖 Read the full article here: https://t.ly/shortened-link

As we continue to advocate for inclusion and equality, this article serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of hope and collective action. Let us work together to make a difference—starting with awareness, dialogue, and empathy.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How can we, as individuals and as a community, better support differently-abled individuals? Share your comments below or get in touch with us to collaborate on initiatives that foster inclusivity and empowerment.

📩 Contact Us: www.gbgoodwillmovement.com

📱 Follow Us on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/GBGWM

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.

I do not feel the same way as a disabled person does.

Human nature is often driven by a selfish individual perspective, with emotional feelings shaped as social constructs that reflect how an individual is perceived and behaves within society. Inside that social construct, the “I, Me, Myself” drives our inner emotions of happiness, anger, and joy.

The psychologist Sigmund Freud explored this phenomenon through his theory of the human psyche, dividing it into three components: the id, ego, and superego. These components work together to influence human behavior and emotions:

1. The Id:
   • Represents the primal, instinctual part of the psyche.
   • Operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification for desires and needs, such as happiness and joy.
   • Is inherently selfish and unconcerned with societal norms or consequences.
2. The Ego:
   • Acts as the rational, conscious part of the psyche.
   • Balances the desires of the id with the constraints of reality and societal expectations.
   • Manages inner emotions and helps navigate social constructs by aligning personal happiness with acceptable behavior.
3. The Superego:
   • Represents the moral conscience and internalized societal rules.
   • Often in conflict with the id, as it strives for ideal behavior that aligns with cultural and ethical standards.
   • Influences feelings like guilt or pride, shaped heavily by social constructs.

Freud’s framework suggests that the “I, Me, Myself” is a reflection of the ego’s negotiation between personal desires and societal expectations. Emotional states such as happiness, anger, and joy emerge as responses to this dynamic interplay. While our inner emotions may feel personal, they are often deeply rooted in the cultural and social frameworks in which we exist. We tend to think that the disabled – the less abled in some aspects of life are not influenced by this, and somehow, we tend to go into that social, medical, generous model of support.

While these emotions and feelings are valid, time and time again, to quote psychologists there are false premises that we as individuals have or keep.

Psychosis and disabled people

The Charity, Mind UK refers to Psychosis as Psychosis (also called a ‘psychotic experience’ or ‘psychotic episode’) is when you perceive or interpret reality in a very different way from people around you. Applying this to our study, it seems humanity may have entered an episodic state, failing to recognize that disabled individuals are human beings, equal in dignity and worth, rather than perceiving them as separate entities. Why?

Why, what, who and where?

Different traditions can have different contexts, but it is the WHO we are interested it in and why? One Reason is power, another reason could be fear, but more importantly it seems like that our emotions are dominated who we are. Yesterday, we had a discussion with someone, who says you and I share the same values, but it might not reflect others? While Freud’s work has been criticized as unscientific in modern psychology, it still offers valuable insights into the interplay between emotions, power, and societal constructs.

Toward a New Understanding

If we aim to break free from this episodic state, we must move beyond outdated perceptions and biases. Recognizing disabled individuals as integral members of our shared humanity requires re-examining the emotions, constructs, and power dynamics that shape our worldview. Only by doing so can we build a society that values equality, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

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The Straight Path: A Journey Toward Justice, Compassion, and Inclusion

The concept of the “Straight Path” (Sirat-al-Mustaqeem) embodies a journey guided by justice, compassion, and equity—principles that call us to reflect on our collective responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in society. This path transcends individual growth, focusing on creating a community where everyone is uplifted and included. Yet, in the hustle of modern life, absorbed by fleeting distractions, we often lose sight of those left behind: the elderly, the disabled, and the sick. While many indulge in comfort, countless others struggle in silence.

Understanding Suffering

Suffering evokes images of famine, poverty, or war—often tied to distant regions like Africa. Yet suffering also exists in less visible, equally profound forms. In Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the Hunza and Yasin areas, disabled individuals live on society’s margins, yearning for dignity and inclusion. Their voices—pleas for opportunity—are often drowned by indifference. My connection to this issue deepened during my time at a community college and further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as I reflected on societal norms around disability.

While certain regions in Gilgit-Baltistan have seen development through community initiatives, much remains to be done. The progress, though commendable, pales compared to the inclusivity and accessibility many of us in developed nations often take for granted.

Our Mission: The Gilgit-Baltistan Goodwill Movement (GBGM)

Through GBGM, we strive to bridge these gaps. Our mission is to create opportunities, advocate for the rights of disabled individuals, and ensure no one is forgotten. Rooted in the values of justice, compassion, and equity, our initiatives include:

• Vocational and Life Skills Training: Free programs empowering individuals to lead independent lives.
• Assistive Devices: Providing wheelchairs, hearing aids, and essential mobility tools.
• Healthcare Support: Facilitating access to free medicines and personalized care.
• Financial Aid: Addressing economic challenges by offering support for food and shelter.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Eliminating stigmas through community outreach and campaigns.

Visit www.gbgoodwillmovement.com to explore stories of resilience and transformation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite progress, significant obstacles remain:

• Infrastructure Gaps: Public spaces lack accessibility for disabled individuals.
• Educational Barriers: Inclusive education opportunities are scarce.
• Healthcare Inequities: Quality, affordable healthcare remains a luxury.
• Stigma: Deep-rooted prejudices marginalize disabled individuals further.

Overcoming these challenges requires collective action and a commitment to shared humanity.

A Call to Action

Returning to the West, I hoped the lessons from the social care sector would inspire widespread support. While some have stood by us, many responses have been minimal. This underscores a pressing need: to foster connection, understanding, and action.

Imagine the loneliness of being unseen, the despair of being unheard, and the pain of being forgotten. Now, imagine that world being yours. If you can’t walk in our shoes, at least walk beside us. Offer a hand, a voice, or a moment of empathy.

Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness—can transform lives. Together, we can pave the way toward a compassionate, inclusive society where everyone thrives.

The “Straight Path” requires every strand of society to unite, each bringing its unique strengths. Just as a plumber and surgeon serve vital yet distinct roles, each of us has a part in building inclusivity. Let us ensure that no voice goes unheard, no individual unseen, and no life unlived to its fullest potential.

Join us at www.gbgoodwillmovement.com

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This streamlined version emphasizes clarity while preserving the inspirational tone and critical message.

In a remarkable celebration of International White Cane Safety Day, we joined hands with Karakoram International University’s Department of Education to raise awareness about accessibility and safe mobility for the visually impaired.

This event stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering visually impaired individuals in navigating safely and confidently through the world around them. Those who are blind by birth are the navigators of society, than those who choose to be in sociopolitical chaos.

The day was filled with engaging awareness sessions and interactive discussions, shedding light on the importance of inclusivity and the daily realities faced by those with visual impairments. A heartfelt thank you to Doctor Qutoshi, Doctor Hadi Haideri, and our dedicated volunteers and participants who made this event possible.

Join us in the journey to promote accessibility and inclusivity for all in Gilgit-Baltistan!

#InternationalWhiteCaneSafetyDay #GilgitBaltistanGoodwillMovement #AccessibilityMatters #EmpowermentThroughEducation #InclusiveGB