Serving children and families in Karachi since 1971.

Every Child Deserves a Chance to Learn, Grow and Shine.

Children, staff and families gathered outside Markaz-e-Umeed in Karachi, holding artwork beneath the Pakistani flag.

For more than 55 years, Markaz-e-Umeed has stood beside children and young adults with special needs and their families.

Since 1971, we have provided education, therapy, rehabilitation, vocational training and family support — completely free of cost.

We believe that disability should never become a barrier to dignity, opportunity or hope.

Explore Our Services Learn About Us

55 Years of Hope. 55 Years of Free Services.

For more than five decades, Markaz-e-Umeed has been a place where children are welcomed for who they are and encouraged to discover what they can become.

From a small beginning with just five students in 1971, our journey has grown into a comprehensive support system for children, young adults and families.

Education. Therapy. Rehabilitation. Skills. Dignity. Hope.

A Child Is More Than a Diagnosis

A diagnosis does not define a child’s future.

At Markaz-e-Umeed, we look beyond labels and focus on abilities, potential and possibilities.

To be understood
To be educated
To communicate
To participate
To develop skills
To be respected
To be included
To dream

We don’t ask, “What can this child not do?”

We ask, “What can we help this child achieve?”

What We Do

Markaz-e-Umeed provides a comprehensive range of educational, therapeutic, rehabilitative and vocational services.

Learn

Special Education: Individualized learning and educational support designed around each child’s abilities and needs.
Early Intervention: Early support for young children to build foundational developmental and learning skills.
Remedial Education: Individualized academic support for children experiencing learning difficulties.

Therapy

Physiotherapy: Supporting mobility, strength, posture, balance and functional independence.
Occupational Therapy: Helping children develop practical skills for everyday life, learning and participation.
Speech & Language Therapy: Supporting communication, speech, language, comprehension and functional communication.
Behaviour Therapy & ABA: Evidence-informed behavioural support focused on communication, learning, social skills and positive behaviour.
Sensory Therapy: Helping children understand and manage sensory experiences and improve functional participation.

Work and independence

Vocational Training: Developing practical skills and pathways towards greater independence and productive participation.

Our Impact

55+

years of continuous service
200,000+

free therapy sessions
25,000+

students graduated
345+

children currently enrolled
400+

families supported
100+

therapy sessions every day

Our Story

In 1971, Muhammad Imdad Siddiqui began a journey that would change thousands of lives.

With only five students, he established the foundation of what would become Markaz-e-Umeed.

What began as a commitment to a handful of children became a lifelong mission: to ensure that children with intellectual, developmental and other special needs were not forgotten or excluded.

More than five decades later, that mission continues.

1971

Markaz-e-Umeed begins with five students
Growth

Education and therapy services expand
Today

Comprehensive support for children, young adults and families