Our Story: A Ray of Hope Since 1995
Discover how Umeed-e-Noor has empowered over 3,000 children with disabilities since 1995
Who We Are
Umeed-e-Noor — “Ray of Hope” — is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering children with severe and multiple disabilities. Founded in 1995 by our Chairperson, Noori Hashwani, Umeed-e-Noor was born from a deeply personal conviction: that every child, no matter how severe their disability, carries a light within them that deserves to be nurtured and shared with the world.
Registered under Section 6 of the Islamabad Capital Territory Charities Registration, Regulation & Facilitation Act, 2021, UEN provides comprehensive services including special education, skill development, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, vocational training, and full-time residential boarding facilities.
Over nearly three decades, we have grown into a home, a school, a therapy centre, and a rehabilitation facility — a place where children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments, learning challenges, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions receive structured care, developmental opportunities, and above all, dignity.
More than 3,000 children have walked through our doors since 1995. Many arrived unable to speak, walk, or care for themselves. Today, they communicate, create, learn practical skills, and participate in their communities. Some have gone on to participate in the Special Olympics. Others have mastered vocational skills that give them economic independence. All of them have been given what every child deserves: a chance.
We continue to raise awareness, advocate for inclusion, and support families in helping their children reach their fullest potential. With your support, Umeed-e-Noor will continue to be their ray of hope.
The Birth of Umeed-e-Noor
A civilized society places the wellbeing of its most vulnerable members as its foremost priority. When our founder, Noori Hashwani, looked at the landscape of services for children with disabilities in Pakistan, she saw a glaring gap — not just in facilities and programs, but in awareness, compassion, and data. Hundreds of thousands of differently-abled children existed in silence, with no dedicated resources to champion their cause.
It was this profound realization that gave birth to Umeed-e-Noor in 1995. What began as a small home for 30 orphaned and bedridden special children, providing rehabilitative care, quickly grew into something far more powerful — a movement.
By 1996, Umeed-e-Noor had expanded into a comprehensive special needs school and therapy centre, serving children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, Down syndrome, autism, hearing impairments, cognitive challenges, and stammering. The founder’s vision was clear: these children are not burdens to society — they are beautiful creations who carry their own light. Our job is simply to help that light shine.
“Looking forward to seeing you all involved via activities and donations, and ever thankful to those who respect and understand the value of Light.”
— Noori Hashwani, Founder & Chairperson
Our Mission
To provide children with special needs an enabling environment — while building awareness in society — where their social, psychological, and developmental needs are met, enabling them to maximize their potential, build confidence, and become productive, valued members of society.
Our Vision
A society where children and adults with special needs are respected for the diversity they bring, and are provided equal access to opportunities, resources, and facilities that enable them to achieve their social and economic potential while living with dignity, confidence, and self-esteem.
What We Work Toward Every Day
Early Intervention
Provide early intervention services for babies and young children who are “at risk” or identified with special needs — because the earlier we act, the greater the impact.
Residential Care
Provide safe, loving residential facilities for children with disabilities, with special emphasis on those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have nowhere else to go.
Vocational & Life Skills
Deliver vocational and daily-life skills training so that children with special needs can achieve maximum independence.
Holistic Programs
Design holistic programs that integrate all aspects of development — cognitive, motor, language, self-help, socialization, and play skills.
Family Empowerment
Offer counselling and support services that empower parents to play an active role in their child’s development.
Capacity Building
Build the capacity of professionals, volunteers, parents, and civil society organizations working with children with special needs.
Training Centre
Establish a resource and training centre for teachers in special education techniques.
Community Awareness
Promote community-wide awareness and understanding of children with special needs, breaking stigma and building inclusion.
Our Journey — A Timeline
Umeed-e-Noor is founded by Chairperson Noori Hashwani as a home for 30 orphaned and bedridden special children, providing specialized rehabilitative care.
Expansion into a comprehensive special needs school and therapy centre, introducing speech therapy, physiotherapy, and special education.
Launch of UEN’s first comprehensive educational program tailored to each child’s unique abilities and developmental needs.
Expansion into additional programs and outreach in underserved communities in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Introduction of vocational training programs to empower older students with practical, employable skills for independence.
Launch of inclusive education initiatives through partnerships with mainstream schools, bridging the gap between special and general education.
Successful adaptation to online learning platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of education and therapy for every child.
UEN celebrates more than 25 years of transformative impact, having supported thousands of children in gaining independence.
Awarded PCP Seal of Good Practice. FBR renews NPO approval. Strategic plan launched for 1st floor expansion and transition into a sustainable Centre of Excellence.
Who We Serve
At Umeed-e-Noor, we welcome children with a wide range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Our programs are specifically designed to address the unique needs of children with:
Cerebral Palsy
Physical therapy, mobility support, and adaptive education for children with movement and posture challenges.
Down Syndrome
Tailored learning, speech development, and social integration for children with chromosomal conditions.
Intellectual Disability
Individualized cognitive programs, life skills training, and behaviour support for children with cognitive challenges.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Structured environments, communication support, and sensory integration for children on the autism spectrum.
Learning Disabilities & Stammering
Specialized reading, writing, and speech fluency programs for children with learning differences.
Muscular Dystrophy
Physiotherapy and adaptive programs for children with progressive muscle conditions.
Hearing Impairment
Sign language instruction, speech development, and assistive technology support.
The People Behind the Mission
Noori Hashwani
Founder & Chairperson
The visionary behind Umeed-e-Noor, Ma’am Noori Hashwani founded the organization in 1995 driven by a deep conviction that differently-abled children deserve dignity, care, and opportunity. Under her leadership, UEN has grown from a small home into a nationally recognized centre that has transformed the lives of over 3,000 children. Her dedication has inspired countless donors, volunteers, and partner organizations to join the mission.
Mrs. Gulnar Sultana
PrincipalAn experienced and deeply committed professional, Mrs. Gulnar Sultana has been with Umeed-e-Noor since its inception. She resides on campus, making herself accessible 24/7 to both boarders and day scholars. Trained by British speech pathologist Ms. Margaret K. Taslimullah, she brings over 28 years of experience in clinical therapy. Mrs. Gulnar ensures personal supervision of each child’s progress and maintains a personal rapport with every student.
Verified. Certified. Trusted.
Umeed-e-Noor operates with the highest standards of governance, transparency, and accountability. We are proud to hold the following official recognitions:
Registration of Charity
ICT Charities Act 2021
Reg No. CRRFA/ICT/29 of 2023
FBR NPO Approval
Section 2(36)(c), Income Tax Ordinance
NTN #2899263 — Valid until 30 June 2026
PCP Seal of Good Practice
Excellence in NPO standards
PCP-2024/1291 — Valid until 22 April 2027
Tax Exemption
All donations fully tax-exempt
Official receipts issued for tax deduction
Be Part of Our Story
Your support helps us continue transforming lives. Join 3,000+ families who have found hope at Umeed-e-Noor.