Hadiqa Kiani: Snatching Hope from the Jaws Of Flooded Despair

She spoke at length, the words spilling over with emotions, love and reflection. It was like a mother holding a new-born in her arms and then, gushing over the physical and mental effort that made it possible for her to finally hold her precious baby. Hadiqa Kiani gave off the same intensity as she spoke of the relief work, the homes and hope she provided to so many lost souls. It was both heartening and inspiring – and there’s no stopping her, Thank Goodness!

Hadiqa Kiani’s Commitment To The Children Of Baluchistan Will Put Most Of Us At Shame — Hadiqa Kiani – Flood Relief Efforts From the Heart

Known for her versatile vocals and dedication to humanitarian causes, Hadiqa Kiani responded to the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan by launching her Vaseela-e-Raah project, which has since built 370 homes and other facilities to support displaced families in Balochistan and South Punjab.

Additionally, we are honoured that the BBC 100 Women for 2024, through their theme of the year Resilience, has recognized and appreciated Hadiqa Kiani’s inspiring efforts. This acknowledgement further highlights the profound impact of her efforts, and she serves as a role model for many.

We are thrilled to share that FUCHSIA Magazine has highlighted Hadiqa Kiani’s remarkable initiative on both our YouTube channel and website. (This news is an update. The article was published earlier in 2023).

So go ahead and learn more about her flood relief and humanitarian efforts to uplift the lives of those who needed hope in the face of utmost despair.

Vaseela e Raah: Laying The Foundation For New Lives, One Home At A Time

While you may have heard and read of the plight of many who still battle the after-effects of the Floods in Pakistan, we give you 3 stories that helped give hope. Because, it is only with hope that we can help rebuild the lives of those who lost everything.

Hadiqa spoke passionately of all the people she came across, the challenges and the stories of triumph. These 3 stood out for us and we hope they inspire you to keep on giving and alleviating the plight of many who are still trying to meet each day as it comes.

1. Dai Banzeer – Maternity Home

Dai Banzeer is a lady health worker who resides in the far flung areas of Balochistan. She is trained and equipped to help in the process of child birth and hence, a critical need, in fact, the person who stands between life and death, often, for many women who have to walk miles before they can reach any health or maternity clinic.

However, Dai Banzeer’s home was completely wrecked in the floods. She now has a two room maternity centre constructed for her by Vaseela e Raah. Dai Banzeer can now tend to all the married women and mothers who need her services in the area. The land itself upon which the clinic was made did not have easy access by road so Vaseela e Raah was assisted by the Pakistan Army who helped construct a walk way off the beaten track to make it easy for women to reach the maternity centre.

Walkway to maternity center — A path to reach the Dai Banzeer’s Maternity centre

Maternity Centre in the region – Vaseela e Raah

2. Sanam Bibi Built Her Own House

Sanam Bibi, Flood Releif efforts, vaseela e Raah — Sanam Bibi’s Story – Vaseela e Raah

Sanam Bibi rebuilt her own house with mud and whatever material she could scavenge after the floods had destroyed her home. Since her husband was severely sick and bed-ridden, she had to do the job alone and while she was pregnant and also had younger children to tend to.

Sanam Bibi reconstructed her home with her own hands and as a tribute to her courage and bravery, and her need to shelter her family, Vaseela e Raah helped construct a solid house for her and her family.

This is the house she first built with her own hands:

mud house in Balochistan — Sanam Bibi’s House that she built with her own hands

Thanks to the flood relief efforts, Sanam Bibi now has a cemented roof over her head to keep her family and herself safe from the vagaries of the weather.

3. 12 Year Old Muneer

Hadiqa Kiani's Flood Relief Chronicles — Muneer’s Story – Vaseela e Raah

Muneer Ahmad’s father served as an ATF soldier – Constable Parvez Ahmed. Unfortunately, he passed away in May 2019 as he was a chronic Hepatitis C patient and his liver collapsed eventually. He died while on duty. Constable Pervaiz Ahmed left behind three children(2x sons and 1 daughter).

12 year old Muneer Ahmad is the eldest.

Muneer Ahmed's father, constable Pervez — Muneer’s father – Constable Pervez

Muneer had no one to support him and his younger siblings. Vaseela e Raah has set up a corner grocery store in his village which is near the primary school. Muneer can now run the store as well as go to school in the morning. This will help him support his younger siblings who are dependent on him as well.

The initial stock and inventory of the store has also been provided by Vaseela e Raah at least for the first few months till Muneer can hopefully roll over his savings.

Going Forward

Hadeeqa Kiani and Vaseela e Raah have constructed 100 homes in the area of Tambu in Balochistan province. They are currently going on to build 200 more houses in the area of Chhatar in Kundi with the help of the Pakistan Army! The area has experienced wide spread devastation and requires healthcare, educational and clean water facilities on an immediate basis.

🙏🏼💗 pic.twitter.com/ShABVt4v7M
— Hadiqa Kiani (@Hadiqa_Kiani) March 3, 2023

If you would like to donate to the cause, the account details appear below for Pakistani Residents.

Vaseel a Raah Account Details for Pakistani Residents

VASEELA-E-RAAH
FLOOD RELIEF 2022
HADIQA KIANI
Account Details mentioned below:
Account Title:
Anwari Khanam Welfare Society (Regd)
Account #:
02010104341259
Bank name & Branch address:
Meezan Bank
Gulberg Branch, Lahore
For Pakistani Residents