A disability inclusion organisation since 2008

NOWPDP works to build an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, rights and participation.

Explore our journey Contact NOWPDP

NOWPDP team and community during its journey of disability inclusion — Inclusion to independence Creating pathways to greater independence, dignity and self-reliance.

2008 Our journey began

Our purpose

Who we are

Through our work across identity, welfare, education, skills development, employment, accessibility and economic empowerment, we create pathways that enable persons with disabilities to achieve greater independence, dignity and self-reliance.

Every year, a new chapter

Our Journey

From our beginning in 2008 to a growing movement for disability inclusion, explore the people, partnerships and milestones that shaped NOWPDP.

Drag or use arrows

2008
Chapter 01
Founded to lead the disability inclusion movement in Pakistan.
2009
Chapter 02
Registered 183 disability organizations to strengthen rights based advocacy.
2010
Chapter 03
Introduced Inclusive Education in Gilgit-Baltistan with Aga Khan Foundation & AUSAID.
2011
Chapter 04
Launched Shanakht One-Window SCNIC Camps across Sindh for identity access.
2012
Chapter 05
Started The Rickshaw Project, creating accessible livelihood opportunities.
2013
Chapter 06
Partnered with Engro Corporation to launch Yaqeen (Rozgar) employment program.
2014
Chapter 07
Opened the first fully accessible office in Saddar.
2015
Chapter 08
Advanced inclusion through strategic programmatic restructuring.

Launched Entrepreneur for Change, a therapeutic art initiative empowering children with disabilities.
2016
Chapter 09
Expanded vocational training through Dastoor (Hunar) program.
2017
Chapter 10
Introduced the Accessible Cycle Project for improved mobility.
2018
Chapter 11
Won Zero Project Award for Accessibility.

Published Moving from the Margins with The Economist & British Council.
2019
Chapter 12
Established Centre of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI) in Sujawal via public-private partnership.

Partnered with K-Electric to provide employment opportunities.
2020
Chapter 13
Expanded operations to Rawalpindi.

Inaugurated the Inclusion Academy in Karachi.
2021
Chapter 14
Collaborated with the State Bank of Pakistan on inclusive banking policy.

Launched Rehnuma Resource Centre.
2022
Chapter 15
Created Centre of Excellence for Financial Inclusion (CEFI) with HBL in Karachi.
2023
Chapter 16
Opened Centre of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI) in Hyderabad.
2024
Chapter 17
Expanded NOWPDP Marakiz to Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Badin, Larkana & Tharparkar.

Led national Shanakht Sab Kay Liye campaign for S-CNICs.

Launched 111-NOWPDP Helpline.

Expanded Centre of Excellence for Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in Islamabad & Lahore.
2025
Chapter 18
Organized NOWRally, the first ever F1-inspired retrofitted rickshaw race.

Won Zero Project Award for Inclusive Practices.

Secured Bronze at the Global Influencer Marketing Awards.

Partnered with Govt. of Sindh on Inclusive Education Policy.

Opened Centre of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI) in Korangi & Thatta.

Perspective and counsel

Our Board of Advisors

Our Board of Advisors bolster our mission of transforming lives of persons with disabilities. These seasoned professionals bring in different perspectives and help further our cause.

View full board

Advisor

FAHD KAMAL CHINOY

CEO, PAKISTAN CABLES

Fahd Kamal Chinoy is an MBA from INSEAD (France) and has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, USA. He is currently the CEO of Pakistan Cables Limited and have years of exposure leading various departments including Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Informational Technology. Fahd is a strong supporter of disability inclusion and has been an integral part of NOWPDP.

Advisor

ZAIN MUKATY

CEO, ONCOGEN PHARMA

Zain Ashraf Mukaty is the CEO of Oncogen Pharma (Private) Limited, heading the company with a vision to develop the first cancer drugs manufacturing facility in Pakistan. Zain graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, with a dual degree in Economics and Engineering as part of the exclusive Management and Technology Program. He serves on several Boards of Directors including the Liberty Group and Pakistan Aluminum Beverage Cans Limited.

Advisor

SADIA DADA

CHIEF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, K-ELECTRIC

Sadia Dada is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at K-Electric. She has a diverse wealth of experience ranging from media to corporate PR, advocacy, strategic communications, and stakeholder management. Sadia is an alumnus of the Lahore University of Management Sciences and joins KE from Phillip Morris Pakistan where she last served as Director Communications. As a responsible social citizen who wants to give back to society, Sadia started her initiative of Women in Numbers, an e-platform dedicated to enhancing the representation of women in Pakistan’s corporate sector through access to opportunities, education and networking.

Advisor

FAIZAN GHORI

DIRECTOR, MATCO FOODS

Faizan Ghori joined MATCO in 2006 to head the accounts and finance department of the company and is now serving as the Director of MATCO Foods. He graduated with honors (Cum Laude) from New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business, completing his Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Finance and Accounting. Faizan Ghori has also completed his Master of Science degree in Finance and Accounting with honors (Merit) from The London School of Economics and Political Sciences. In addition to all these degrees and accomplishments under his name, he is a certified director accredited by Risk Metrics Group, USA.

Advisor

FARHAT RASHEED

DIRECTOR, DALDA FOODS & WESTBURY GROUP OF COMPANIES

Farhat Rasheed works as a Director at Dalda Foods & Westbury Group of Companies. Farhat has done Bi Majors in BBA (Hons), Marketing and Finance and is also a Gold Medalist in MBA Marketing from IoBM. She has also served some years at Unilever as an Assistant Brand Manager. Disability inclusion is a cause close to her heart and she founded and initiated the group “Show You Care” (SYC) with her friends and family which serves as a platform to be a voice for persons with physical disabilities to rise and be economically independent.

Advisor

MISBAH NAQVI

CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER, I2I VENTURES

Misbah Naqvi is General Partner and Co-Founder at i2i Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund focusing on tech-enabled high-growth startups in Pakistan. Misbah has over 20 years of global experience in corporate finance, impact investing, fintech, and entrepreneurship in Pakistan, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and the US. In addition, she also serves as an Advisory Board member at Invest2Innovate, U Microfinance Bank Ltd, and a Trustee on the Board of AAS.

Advisor

SARA TAHER KHAN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FM91

Sara is the Chief Executive Officer of FM91, and is a founding board member of Citizens Archive Pakistan (CAP). She also serves on the board of WWF Pakistan and YPO (of which she is also a member). Sara is also associated with Interflow Communications and TVOne. Sara is a film graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design and has been a staple of the PR and Media landscape of Pakistan, and a contributor to its relentless expansion over the last 2 decades. Sara is based in Karachi.

Advisor

SALMAN NAVEED KHAN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PAK ALLIANCE FOR MATHS & SCIENCE (PAMS)

Salman is currently working as the Chief Executive Officer at the Pak Alliance for Maths & Science (PAMS), and the Team Lead of the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training's STEAM Pakistan program. Prior to his current role, he was associated with the Alif Ailaan education campaign as the Head of Political & Policy Engagement. Salman is a mechanical engineer, and had worked in the services sector for process industries for 12 years before switching careers and working in the education sector. He is currently enrolled in a graduate program at SOAS, University of London, and is a firm believer in the concept of lifelong learning. Salman is based in Islamabad, but also calls Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi as his hometowns.

Advisor

Mubariz Siddiqui

Founding Partner – Carbon Law

Mubariz, founder of Carbon Law, is a leading startup lawyer in Pakistan with extensive experience advising on over USD 250 million in deals for early-stage businesses and investors. He collaborates with regulators, including the State Bank of Pakistan, to enhance foreign investment. Previously, he was General Counsel at Sarmayacar and headed legal for two major CPEC power projects at Hub Power Company. Since starting his career in 2008, he has also worked at RIAA Barker Gillette and Orr Dignam & Co., and is active in educating founders on governance and fundraising.

Advisor

Tamkeen Sardar Faisal

Head of HR, Marcom & Facilities - Engro Energy Lim

Tamkeen is an HR leader with 18+ years of experience in agile cultural transformation, talent management, reward strategies, and digital change management. Currently transitioning to FrieslandCampina, she has held key roles at JS Bank, K-Electric, Reckitt Benckiser, and Engro Energy Limited, where she led the People Division and Marketing. Known for transforming HR departments into agile digital ecosystems and championing diversity and inclusion, she has also supported NOWPDP for the past 8-9 years.

Advisor

Sana Khurshid

Lawyer – Road Safety Ambassador for Total PARCO

Sana Khurshid, a lawyer and advocate for disability-inclusive policies, serves as the road safety ambassador at Total PARCO. Her dedication to the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has driven significant legal progress, including filing a writ in 2018 to enforce accessibility regulations in public buildings and playing a key role in the enactment of the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act 2022 in Punjab. She now chairs the special committee on accessibility and mobility under this act.

Advisor

Nadeem Abdullah

Chief Executive Officer of Sapphire Textile Mills Limited

Mr. Nadeem Abdullah has served as Chief Executive Officer of Sapphire Textile Mills Limited for over 16 years and also leads the group’s subsidiaries in the renewable energy sector. A graduate of McGill University, Canada, he has driven the company’s diversification into value-added segments such as retail and renewable energy, while strengthening its core textile operations. With extensive experience in business management, sales and marketing, supply chain, and product development, he has played a central role in introducing new product lines and positioning the group for sustained growth.

Guidance and stewardship

Our Executive Committee

Under the guidance and steering of NOWPDP's Executive Committee, our mission for a more inclusive society has solidified from giving an identity to persons with disabilities to making them contributing members of society.

Committee

AMIN HASHWANI

PRESIDENT

Amin Hashwani serves as the President of the NOWPDP Executive Committee. He secured his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and is a recipient of several international awards for his work, including an Honorary Doctorate from USA. He founded and continues to support various social initiatives in the fields of education, health, youth development, culture, and peace. Amin Hashwani is undoubtedly one of the biggest supporters of disability inclusion in Pakistan and started NOWPDP in 2008 with passion towards serving one of the most marginalized societies in Pakistan.

Committee

RONAK IQBAL LAKHANI

VICE-PRESIDENT

Ronak Lakhani currently serves as Vice President of the NOWPDP Executive Committee. Ms. Lakhani is also the Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan. In recognition of her selfless services to persons with disabilities, the government honored Ronak Lakhani with Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the fourth-highest decoration given to any civilian in the country based on one’s extraordinary achievement.

Committee

KHAYAM HUSSAIN

GENERAL SECRETARY

Khayam Hussain serves as a member of the NOWPDP Executive Committee. A graduate of the University of Houston and Pepperdine University, Khayam Hussain is the Managing Director of Automobile Corporation, Pakistan. In addition, Mr. Husain is involved in work for Karachi Relief Trust, the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Road Federation, the Pakistan Trucking Forum, the Association of Road Users of Pakistan (ARUP), and the Charter for Compassion Pakistan.

Committee

RUHAIL MUHAMMAD

TREASURER

Ruhail Muhammad's career spans over 35 years in general management, business development, strategy, financial planning, and people development. He has held various C-suite positions in companies focusing on a diverse range of activities from Chemicals to Energy. He is currently CEO of Lucky Electric Power Company Limited, a 660MW IPP subsidiary of Lucky Cement. Prior to this, he was CEO of Hub Power Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of HUBCO, Pakistan's largest IPP. He was responsible for managing the growing portfolio of HUBCO, evaluating onshore & offshore acquisitions, project financing, economic evaluation of all growth projects, and financial re-engineering to support the growth vision of the Company. Prior to HUBCO, he was the CEO of Engro Fertilizers from 2012-2018. He has served on the Boards of Engro Corp and various Engro subsidiaries.

Committee

LAILA DOSSA

MEMBER

Committee

HASNAT HASHWANI

MEMBER

Hasnat Hashwani is an active member of the NOWPDP Executive Committee. She graduated from UC BERKELEY in 2017. Currently, she is the CEO of Wholesome Foods and is also working as a General Manager of ZAPP – a real-time e-commerce venture. Hasnat has been a strong supporter of the cause of disability inclusion and NOWPDP.

Committee

SHEREZAD ZAHIR RAHIMTOOLA

MEMBER

Mrs. Sherezad Zahir Rahimtoola, an entrepreneur and jewellery designer, transitioned from a career in architecture after earning her B.Arch from Saint Joseph’s College to establish her own design practice. Known for her high standards of craftsmanship and creativity, she has built a respected presence in Pakistan’s jewellery industry while also dedicating herself to humanitarian and philanthropic ventures. Among her notable achievements, she was entrusted with designing a unique lapis lazuli gift for His Highness the Aga Khan IV, a commission she regards as one of the greatest honours of her career.

Committee

Sima Kamil

MEMBER

Ms. Sima Kamil brings over 30 years of experience in Corporate and Investment Banking to the NOWPDP Board. She has served as Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and was the first woman to become President of a commercial bank in Pakistan at United Bank Limited, one of the country’s leading banks. Prior to that, she was Group Head at Habib Bank Limited. Ms. Kamil holds a bachelor’s degree from Kingston University and a master’s degree from City, University of London. She is also on the Boards of Karachi Grammar School, Notre Dame Institute of Education, and Holy Family Hospital. She played an instrumental role in shaping SBP’s 2021 Financial Inclusion Policy for disability inclusion. Her strategic expertise and dedication add immense value to NOWPDP’s mission of fostering opportunities for persons with disabilities in Pakistan.