VISION

VISION Pakistan is a non-profit human rights organization based out of Lahore. Established in 1998, VISION’s work is to create a just and equitable Pakistani society equipped with the tools and support needed to create long-term change for vulnerable populations across the country. VISION’s work relies heavily on scientific research-based processes and approaches to develop tools, materials and strategies that can effectively serve the best interest of vulnerable and marginalized communities of Pakistan.
VISION has worked extensively in the connected area of HIV/AIDS and safe-sex advocacy in street workers, including the transgenders, sex-workers and massage boys. VISION has made great inroads in this area in its project in Lahore.
Another focus area for VISION is the supports, rehabilitation and capacity enhancement of sexual minorities and marginalized groups such as Zenanas(men who identify themselves as women), massage boys and sex-workers.
We have also worked extensively on promoting and protecting Child Rights, a hallmark of our recognition. Through our flagship project ‘Listen to My Voice’ based out of Murree, we have conducted detailed and unique studies on internal child trafficking, displaced children on the street and migration patterns of street children across Punjab. We have successfully carried out similar projects focusing on street children in Abbotabad, Lahore and Swat.
We seek to bridge gaps between religious minorities and practitioners of mainstream religions in the country through our ‘Adopt a Community’ program. This program has been lauded as a courageous and groundbreaking effort in a country grappling with religious extremism, bigotry and intolerance. VISION believes that human rights defenders are a hallmark of a progressive and just society, and can only play their roles as vehicles of change in society when they are safe from external threats to their personal well-being. In keeping with this, VISION has played a prominent role in bringing international safety and security protocols for human rights defenders to Pakistan. Through the development of material tailored to the needs and realities of Pakistan, VISION continues to provide these trainings to human rights defenders working in hostile environments throughout Pakistan.
Our 17-year-long efforts have pioneered not only research, but activism in all the above mentioned areas, and we continue to strive for a just, equal and prosperous society in Pakistan.