History & Founder
The Pakistan Association of the Blind – Faisalabad (PAB FSD) and its landmark initiative, the Al-Faisal Center of the Blind, have grown from one man’s extraordinary courage into a beacon of hope for thousands of visually impaired individuals across Pakistan.
The Beginning of a Remarkable Journey
In 1968, Captain Mashiyat-ur-Rehman Malik, a decorated Pakistan Army officer, lost both his eyesight and hands in a grenade explosion during training. Instead of surrendering to despair, he turned his tragedy into a mission that would empower generations.
After receiving advanced rehabilitation in the UK, he returned with a vision — to provide blind individuals in Pakistan the same tools and dignity he had experienced abroad. Thus began the story of Al-Faisal Center.
Captain Mashiyat-ur-Rehman Malik
Captain Malik’s vision began in a small garage of his home in Jinnah Colony, Faisalabad, where he taught just 10 blind students. Driven by empathy and resilience, he created a safe haven for the blind — a place to learn, grow, and thrive.
His efforts caught national attention. Under President Zia-ul-Haq, the government allotted land for expansion near Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. There, the Al-Faisal Center flourished with classrooms, hostels, vocational units, and a girls’ high school wing.
Growth, Impact & Legacy
What began as a garage classroom has become one of Pakistan’s most respected institutions for the visually impaired. Today, the Center offers:
- Free Braille and mainstream education for blind students
- Computer and assistive technology training
- Vocational courses and sheltered workshops
- Hostel accommodation and transport facilities
- Support for girls and women with visual impairments
Over the decades, thousands of students have transformed their lives through Al-Faisal — some pursuing higher education, others joining government and private sectors, and many becoming entrepreneurs.
A Vision That Lives On
Captain Malik passed away in December 2011, but his legacy continues. With a team of over 25 dedicated staff — many of them blind and alumni — the Center today supports nearly 100 students annually.
His life reminds us that one person’s courage can light the way for thousands. The mission of PAB FSD and the Al-Faisal Center remains: to empower, educate, and elevate the blind community of Pakistan.