Abid Lashari (Tamgha e Imtiaz) President of the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan, is one of the country’s most prominent and dedicated social leaders working for disability rights, rehabilitation, and inclusion. Born and raised in Sindh, Abid Lashari grew up witnessing the struggles faced by children with intellectual and physical disabilities in underserved communities. These early observations shaped his life’s mission: to build a Pakistan where every child with a disability receives equal opportunity, dignity, and the support needed to reach their full potential.
As he stepped into social development work, Abid Lashari founded and strengthened NDF Pakistan into a nationally recognized organization. Under his leadership, NDF has become a symbol of hope for families in both rural and urban Sindh. His vision focuses not just on rehabilitation, but on empowerment, inclusion, and long-term change in society’s mindset about disability.
One of Abid Lashari’s greatest achievements is the establishment and expansion of NDF Rehabilitation Centers with collaboration of DEPF Government of Sindh. Starting with limited resources, he gradually built a network of four centers located in Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Larkana, Gulistan-e-Johar Karachi, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed Karachi. Today, these centers provide free rehabilitation services to more than 600 children from low-income backgrounds. The services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, remedial education, and special education. Each center also offers pick-and-drop facilities to ensure accessibility for families who cannot afford transportation.
Through continuous hard work and compassionate leadership, Abid Lashari has successfully created an ecosystem where children with intellectual disabilities are supported, trained, and gradually mainstreamed into schools and society. His work has not only transformed hundreds of lives but also inspired a shift in public awareness about disability rights, protection, and early childhood development.
Beyond rehabilitation services, Abid Lashari has played a vital role in disaster response, safeguarding and protection programs, child rights advocacy, and awareness campaigns on early and forced marriages. During the 2022 floods, his leadership helped NDF Pakistan support affected families in Nawabshah through disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction initiatives—earning recognition nationally and internationally.
His lifelong dedication and exceptional contributions were officially honored by the Government of Pakistan when he received the prestigious Pakistan Civil Award “Tamgha-e-Imtiaz”. This award reflects his decades of service, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting some of the most marginalized children in society. It stands as a national acknowledgment of his remarkable vision and leadership in disability and development.
Today, Abid Lashari continues his mission with even greater passion. As a State Alumni and active member of multiple networks, he is expanding partnerships, strengthening programs, and advocating for inclusive policies across Pakistan. His journey is not just a story of personal success—it is a story of hope, compassion, and a relentless fight for equality.
Through his work with NDF Pakistan, Abid Lashari has proven that one person’s commitment can spark lasting change, turning challenges into opportunities and transforming the lives of thousands across Sindh and beyond