About – ARP Pakistan

About Us

The Association for the Rehabilitation of the Physically Disabled (ARPD) is a Pakistan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals from marginalized and vulnerable communities — with a special focus on persons with disabilities. Founded in 1986 and revitalized in 2015 under the leadership of President Anjum Anwar, ARPD has steadily grown into a dedicated rehabilitation and community empowerment organization serving vulnerable populations across Pakistan. ARPD delivers a wide range of free services — from comprehensive physical, speech, and psychological therapies to inclusive education, vocational training, orthopedic support, outreach disability camps, and humanitarian relief. Every service we provide is rooted in the belief that disability, poverty, or social exclusion should never define a person’s future.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of people from underdeveloped and vulnerable communities with a special focus on persons with disabilities. We exist to transform lives and are driven by a commitment to social justice. Our goal is to empower deserving individuals by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to lead lives of dignity, independence, and inclusion.

Our Vision

At ARPD, our vision is a world where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities or background, enjoys equal opportunities and a life of dignity. Through innovative programs and collaborative efforts, we envision societies where barriers are broken down, obstacles are eliminated, and diversity is embraced. Together, we will build a brighter future, where the potential of every person is realized and inclusivity is the norm.

Our Story

ARPD was originally founded in 1986 by Dr. Farhat Rahman, a pioneer in rehabilitative care in Pakistan. Following her passing in 2005, the organization experienced a period of decline. In 2015, philanthropist and humanitarian Ms. Anjum Anwar assumed leadership with a vision to restore and expand ARPD’s services. Having lived in the United States for over three decades, Ms. Anwar established Helping Hearts, Caring Souls (HHCS) — a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) organization — to raise funds in support of ARPD’s work in Pakistan. Under her stewardship, ARPD was revitalized. Its infrastructure was rehabilitated, programs were expanded, and outreach was deepened across Pakistan. Today, ARPD stands as a beacon of hope — providing free, dignified care and services to thousands of individuals in need every year.

Our Values

Compassion

Centering humanity and empathy in all aspects of service delivery.

Inclusion

Promoting environments where every individual is welcomed, respected, and valued.

Equity

Ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities for all, particularly the underserved.

Integrity

Upholding transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in all operations.

Community Empowerment

Building capacity within communities to support long-term resilience and independence.

Our Programs

Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Physical, speech, and psychological therapies through a fully equipped facility in Peshawar, serving up to 100 outpatients daily and offering a 50-bed inpatient ward with free accommodation and meals.

Orthopedic Workshop

Custom prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility aids crafted on-site and donated free of charge to individuals in need.

Outreach Disability Camps

Free rehabilitation and medical services delivered directly to underserved rural communities across three provinces of Pakistan.

Inclusive Education

An inclusive school welcoming children with and without disabilities from marginalized backgrounds, providing free education, uniforms, textbooks, and supplies.

Vocational Training

Skills development for marginalized women — including those with disabilities — in tailoring, cosmetology, and jewelry-making, fostering economic independence.

Community Relief

Food relief, clean water wells, emergency shelter, clothing, financial aid, and disaster response for vulnerable families & communities across Pakistan.

Our Principal Funding Partner

ARPD’s programs are made possible through the generous support of donors channeled through Helping Hearts, Caring Souls (HHCS) — a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 47-4419059) founded by Ms. Anjum Anwar. Under a formal Memorandum of Understanding, HHCS raises and manages charitable donations in the United States and transfers these funds to ARPD for programmatic use in Pakistan. This partnership ensures that every dollar donated through HHCS translates into direct, tangible impact on the ground.