Momina Abbasi — The Courageous Daughter of Murree
By Zaheer Ahmed Awan
Momina Abbasi, a brave and determined young woman from Murree, is an inspiring example of courage, patience, and hope. While thousands of persons with disabilities in our society are living lives of struggle and neglect, Momina has become a true role model not only for them but for the entire nation.
Momina shares her story in her own words:“I belong to a small village near Murree. In 2013, when I was only 13 years old and a student of class seven at FG School Murree, I started feeling severe pain in my back and legs. Local doctors said it was weakness due to walking long distances to school. For months I was treated with multivitamins, but gradually I lost all movement in my legs. After tests in Islamabad, doctors found a tumor in my spinal cord. During surgery, my spinal cord was slightly injured, and I became permanently paralyzed.”
The next few years were extremely difficult for her and her family. Life had suddenly changed. However, Momina did not lose hope. With the support of her family and her own strong will she decided to rebuild her life. She completed her matriculation and intermediate studies privately and is now pursuing a BS in English from Virtual University.
Momina wanted to be independent, so she learned online skills and started working as a voice-over artist. Step by step, she developed confidence and began to earn through different online platforms. Today, she is not only self-reliant but also a source of inspiration for many others facing similar challenges.She says:
“We must believe that every hardship has a purpose. If Allah has given us life, He has also given us the strength to live it beautifully. No one can help us until we decide to help ourselves.”
To help others like her, Momina founded an organization named “Disabled Foundation”.The foundation provides wheelchairs, hearing aids, medical assistance, and educational support to persons with disabilities. It also raises awareness about government welfare programs and helps people gain vocational training to live independent lives.
Examples from Around the World Many countries have taken strong steps to include persons with disabilities in national development:
- Japan has implemented an Inclusive Workforce Policy ensuring education and employment for disabled citizens.
- Sweden introduced the Accessibility Act, making all public places and transport disability-friendly.
- The United States protects disabled people through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring equal opportunities in education and employment.
- China runs a national program through the Disabled Persons Federation that provides online skills training and economic support.
If Pakistan also adopts similar practical measures, millions of talented persons with disabilities can become productive and contributing citizens of society.
Momina Abbasi’s life teaches us that real disability lies not in the body, but in losing courage. Her story is a message of faith, determination, and self-reliance.
“God helps those who help themselves.”
Momina’s life truly embodies this saying a shining light of hope for all persons with disabilities in Pakistan and beyond.
