In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, host Mohammad Danish brings you three powerful stories, two on education and one on health, highlighting the struggles and resilience of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Reporter Maryam shares the journey of Khadija Farooqi, a former engineering student forced to flee Kabul, now fighting to continue her education in exile.
Reporter Yasir tells the moving stories of Afghan girls like Maryam and Laila Amiri, confronting Taliban restrictions at home and new barriers as refugees.
Reporter Sosan Akbari speaks with Dr. Khushnama Kakar about the healthcare challenges refugees face, from limited facilities to discrimination, and explores solutions for better, more inclusive care.
A heartfelt episode amplifying voices that demand to be heard.
In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, host Shabnaam interviews a distinguished guest, Professor Farshad Omari, a dedicated journalist and university lecturer who, despite his young age, has achieved notable success in both education and media. Motivated by dedication, perseverance, and a strong faith in the potential of the younger generation, Professor Omari founded the Hadith Elm Academy. This academy has become a hub for motivated and ambitious young individuals, providing them with valuable opportunities for learning and personal growth. During their conversation, Professor Omari shares his sources of inspiration and motivation, discusses the obstacles he's overcome, and outlines his vision for supporting and empowering youth through knowledge and awareness. Join us for an inspiring discussion that highlights the transformative power of education and demonstrates the profound impact one person can have on shaping a brighter future for the next generation.
In this powerful episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, reporter Deeba Akbari shares the inspiring and courageous story of Khateera Rasekh — a 27-year-old Afghan human rights activist and women’s rights advocate. Formerly working at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance, Khateera bravely opposed the Taliban’s oppressive policies by organizing protests and leading the Cry of Afghan Women movement.
She recounts her harrowing experiences of arrest, brutal torture, and the heartbreaking loss of her child while detained by Taliban forces. Despite these trials, Khateera’s determination never wavered. Forced to flee Afghanistan, she now lives as a refugee in Pakistan without legal status, yet continues to raise her voice for justice and women’s rights.
This episode highlights the resilience and strength of Afghan women activists in exile and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights in Afghanistan.
In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, we bring you the inspiring true story of Sosan, an Afghan woman who fled Afghanistan following the regime change and sought refuge in Pakistan. Initially, she faced immense challenges, including uncertainty, displacement, and financial hardship. However, through resilience and determination, Sosan was able to establish a small business that provided her with economic opportunities and a renewed sense of stability.
Today, she reflects on those difficult times with hope and gratitude, having rebuilt her life with strength and courage. Her journey is a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of women who persevere even in the toughest circumstances.
In this compelling episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, reporter Khatira Raskuh brings us the powerful story of Rita Moradi, a young Afghan woman living as a refugee in Pakistan. Originally from Kabul, Rita was a university student who had completed five semesters before the fall of the Republic in Afghanistan. After the Taliban took over and imposed harsh restrictions on women’s education and public life, she was forced to leave her homeland.
Rita first sought refuge in Iran but encountered severe discrimination, including denial of basic needs like bread and being barred from enrolling her children in school. Left with no alternative, she migrated to Pakistan, where she has now lived for over a year.
Despite her difficult circumstances, Rita remains a passionate advocate for women's rights. From exile, she continues to raise her voice for the women of Afghanistan, refusing to let oppression silence her.
This episode is a tribute to the courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Afghan women who continue their struggle, even in displacement.
In this special episode of the Awaaz-e-Dosti series, broadcast by Power 99 FM, host Mohammad Sharif Danish explores the pressing legal and bureaucratic challenges faced by Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. The episode features in-depth conversations with seven Afghan refugees—both women and men—who currently hold legal status in the country.
Despite having valid documentation, the guests describe the complex, time-consuming, and expensive process of visa renewal as one of their most critical concerns. They shared personal stories about the emotional and financial toll of maintaining legal status and expressed their frustration over the lack of support mechanisms.
The participants appealed to the United Nations to help amplify their voices and called on Pakistani authorities to simplify and reduce the costs of visa extension procedures for refugees.
This episode seeks to build awareness and empathy among listeners while encouraging dialogue between refugee communities and institutional stakeholders. It stands as a testament to the power of community media in highlighting the human side of policy issues.
In this report, host Shabnaam interviews two resilient Afghan girls, Ms. Marhama Mohammadi and Ms. Tabsem Naseri, who have launched an online business despite facing significant hardships. These young entrepreneurs originally aspired to establish a physical library in Afghanistan, working tirelessly to create a space for books and learning. However, they encountered severe opposition, and on the very day of the library’s opening, it was forced to close.
Mrs. Marhameh and Mrs. Tabsem did not stop their efforts and started working and selling online, and they want to make great progress in this field.
To hear more about their journey, the challenges they faced, and their hopes for the future, listen to this insightful interview with Shabnaam.
🎙️ In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, your hosts Deeba Akbari Kakar and Abida Ebrahimi explore two timely and important issues facing Afghan communities living in Pakistan:
📚 Segment One: Education in Pakistan
An honest look at the challenges and opportunities Afghan refugees face in accessing education. Are Afghan children receiving equal opportunities in Pakistani schools? What are the key barriers to their admission? Through heartfelt interviews with students and families, Deeba and Abida bring real voices and lived experiences to light.
🩺 Segment Two: The Story of a Midwife Left Behind
A powerful and heartbreaking account of a trained Afghan midwife who came to Pakistan with hope but now faces unemployment and depression. This segment sheds light on the silent struggles of skilled Afghan women in exile—those who possess qualifications and experience, yet remain without the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Tune in, listen, and share—because every voice deserves to be heard.
This is Awaz-e-Dosti—The Voice of Friendship.
Shabnaam conducted an interview with two talented Afghan teachers, Mrs. NasrinHamidi and Mrs. Pashtun Sharara, both of whom are immigrants from Afghanistan to Pakistan.
Mrs.NasrinHamidi has dedicated 30 years of her life to educating Afghan girls and boys, working in various schools. With unwavering honesty and enthusiasm, she has contributed significantly to the education sector, nurturing generations of Afghan students.
Mrs. Pashtun Sharara, who previously worked in numerous universities and schools in Mazar-e Sharif province, held an important role in Afghanistan’s education system under the former government. However, after the regime change and the collapse of the government, she was forced to leave Afghanistan and migrate to Pakistan. Now living under challenging conditions, Mrs. Sharara, like many others, struggles with the uncertainties of life as a refugee.
Both of these dedicated educators have been waiting for two years in Pakistan, hoping for an opportunity to resettle in a third country where they can rebuild their lives and continue their contributions to the field of education.
In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, host Raees Bacha brings you two insightful reports. The first report comes from Swabi and focuses on the Pakhtoon Khwa Welfare Organization and Blood Bank. The head of this organization, Ziyad Ahmed, shares his story. He explains that while working as a nurse in a hospital, he noticed many patients facing severe challenges in accessing blood, especially cancer patients, thalassemia patients, and women experiencing complications during childbirth. Inspired to help, he decided to establish a welfare organization and blood bank where people could donate blood freely, allowing them to provide blood to patients in need at no cost. Since then, this welfare organization has been striving to offer free blood to as many patients as possible.
The second report discusses the polio situation in Pakistan. As you may know, polio cases have seen a significant increase this year. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced, at the end of October, that seven new cases of polio had been reported. To tackle this issue, he inaugurated a daily vaccination campaign, personally administering polio drops to two children at the launch event.
In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, our host, Khatera, brings you inspiring stories and heartfelt messages from our community.
To begin, we have an interview with a resilient man who passionately discusses the importance of sports and bodybuilding. He emphasizes how crucial sports are in our lives, not only for building strength but also for maintaining overall health and well-being. According to him, engaging in sports can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
Next, Khatera interviews a young Afghan girl with a deep love for sports. Despite her passion, she faced limited opportunities to advance in Afghanistan. Now, as a refugee in Pakistan, she’s determined to pursue her dreams and aims to grow her talents in a more supportive environment.
Lastly, we feature an interview with a dedicated Afghan surgical doctor who is also a refugee in Pakistan. She shares the challenges she faces, from missing her role as a professional to dealing with the hardships of displacement. She hopes that her story, and the stories of countless Afghan women like her, will be heard by the world, amplifying their voices and their hopes for a brighter future.
Shabnaam interviewed Dr. Maryam Mubarez, a psychologist and mental health consultant with extensive experience in the field, to discuss the topic of depression and mental health.
During the interview, Dr. Mubarez explained what depression is—a mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, struggles with daily tasks, impaired thinking, and challenges in decision-making, all of which persist for at least two weeks. She emphasized that depression is a serious condition that affects both the mind and body.
Dr. Mubarez also discussed which groups of people are more likely to suffer from depression, stress, and other mental disorders. She highlighted the role that childhood experiences play in shaping mental health in young people, explaining how early trauma or adverse experiences can contribute to mental health challenges later in life.
Furthermore, she explored possible solutions for individuals suffering from mental disorders, emphasizing the importance of professional help, therapy, and support systems. Dr. Mubarez also clarified the difference between psychosis and depression, noting that while depression involves persistent sadness and a lack of interest in daily life, psychosis can involve losing touch with reality, including delusions and hallucinations. Through her expertise and years of experience, Dr. Mubarez provided valuable insights into mental health, offering practical advice for those struggling with mental health issues and encouraging awareness and understanding.
In today’s episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, our host Raees Bacha presents two insightful reports. The first report features an in-depth interview with Dr. Fazli Junaid, an assistant professor, who shares his educational journey and career experiences. Dr. Junaid discusses his early years in elementary school, progressing through matriculation, college, and eventually university. He reflects on the dedication and hard work that led him to his current role, where he contributes to the development of his nation and serves his community through education and mentorship.
The second report focuses on an important health issue—breast cancer in women. As October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with October 13 specifically observed as Breast Cancer Day, this report provides valuable information on the disease. It covers how breast cancer develops, the factors that may increase its risk, and the primary symptoms women should be aware of. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and available treatments to help prevent and combat this illness effectively.
In this episode of Awaz-i-Dosti, host Khatera and guest ShabnamMuhajerzada discuss three important topics:
First, they highlight an interview with a man from Afghanistan, focusing on the issue of very young children working on the streets.
Second, they delve into the beauty and significance of Bamyan province, recognized as one of the best in Afghanistan, and explores its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Lastly, Khatera shares details about a new AI-powered chatbot called Heartline, launched in Pakistan to assist the 32.5 million people suffering from high blood pressure. This chatbot, introduced at the 27th Pakistan Hypertension League Conference, is part of the "Discovering Hypertension" project, offering guidance on hypertension management, from basic information to treatment options. Seen as a critical digital solution, it especially helps the 88% of patients who struggle to control their condition. The chatbot can be accessed through WhatsApp for patient support and education.
[h1]Onlyreported as audio reports
Shabnaam interviewed a 7-year-old Afghan refugee child who is also a talented artist. During the interview, she asked him about his name, age, and when he came to Pakistan from Afghanistan. She also inquired about his daily activities before he left his home country. The young artist shared that, while at home, he used to study the Quran, English, and painting, and he would continue his studies when he went to school.
Shabnaam then asked him to recite a verse from the Quran (Qirat), and afterward, the child talked about the importance of helping at home. He emphasized that children should support their mothers with household chores and makes the best use of their time.
Toward the end of the interview, the young boy delivered a heartfelt message to other children, encouraging them to make good use of their time, especially in difficult situations. He expressed his passion for drawing and shared how it helped him cope, saying, 'I had a deep interest in art, and through that passion, I became a good artist.'
This young refugee’s story of resilience and creativity serves as an inspiring message for children facing hardship, highlighting the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and making the most of one's talents.
In this report, Raees Bacha discusses Afghanistan's exclusion from the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, set for October 15-16 in Islamabad, due to the lack of an invitation from the SCO Secretariat. Afghanistan's inactive status within the organization, which has persisted since September 2021, is highlighted as the reason for this decision. Despite being an observer since June 2012, Afghanistan has had minimal involvement in SCO activities.
Mongolia, another observer country, has been invited to the summit, in contrast to Afghanistan. Pakistan, the host country, is gearing up to welcome various global leaders and delegations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his speech at the 23rd SCO summit, emphasized the need for global support to achieve stability in Afghanistan, which he sees as vital for regional peace and economic growth. He also underscored the importance of reforming the international trade system and promoting collaboration in education, tourism, poverty alleviation, and the empowerment of women and youth.
The international community continues to call on Afghanistan’s transitional government to ensure inclusive political participation and prevent the use of its territory for terrorism against neighboring countries.
Today’s episode of Awaz-e-Dosti is brought to you by our host, Ahmad Sediq.
In the news segment, we cover important developments affecting Afghan migrants and Afghanistan.
First, Isfahan's Police Commander in Iran revealed during a press conference that 300 Afghan migrants are apprehended and deported back to Afghanistan every day.
Second, the foreign ministers of Germany, Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands issued a strong statement condemning the ongoing gross violations of human rights in Afghanistan, especially the gender-based discrimination against women. They also warned of legal actions against the Taliban.
Finally, at the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif urged the Taliban to move towards forming an inclusive government. He emphasized that Pakistan has stood by the international community's expectations and called on the Taliban to respect human rights, particularly women's rights.
In the second segment, we bring you an insightful interview with Mohammad Nazir Rafiq, a former technical engineer who served from 2001 to 2021 with several international organizations, including Merlin, Life Shelter, Concern, and the Aga Khan Foundation. He also worked with the American company PGS (Park Global Solutions) and CCNPP. After the fall of the Afghan republic, Nazir migrated to Pakistan on December 18, 2020.
For the past three years, he has lived in Pakistan with his family, awaiting the outcome of their asylum case. Engineer Nazir dedicated 25 years of his life to serving Afghanistan through international NGOs. Today, he shares the challenges he faces as a migrant and some sweet memories from his journey in this new land. Tune in to hear his story in his own words.
In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, our host Raees Bacha brings you the latest updates concerning the Afghan community. The episode is divided into three parts.
In the first part, we present three significant news stories focusing on key developments relevant to the Afghan refugee community and the region. One story covers ISIS claiming responsibility for a bomb attack on a police vehicle in Pakistan's Balochistan province, which killed two officers and injured several others. Experts suggest increasing coordination between ISIS and the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army in the region. Recent militant attacks in Balochistan have claimed over 50 lives, with the BLA, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., taking responsibility for most of these attacks. Another story highlights Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging the Taliban’s interim government to take concrete and effective measures against all terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, particularly those involved in attacks on neighboring countries. The third news report focuses on the Taliban facing potential action by the International Criminal Court for their mistreatment of women.
In the second part, we cover an important health topic: Monkeypox. This segment provides a detailed explanation of what Monkeypox is, its symptoms, how it spreads, and preventive measures. We also discuss available treatments and ways to protect against the virus.
In the third part, we share an inspiring story from Swabi, specifically from the village of Zaida. One of our active young members, Hamza Yousafzai, along with his friends, took the initiative to support a disabled person in their community. They raised funds and set up a shop for him, giving him a way to earn a livelihood and support his household.
This episode highlights community resilience, health awareness, and acts of kindness, showcasing how individuals are positively impacting their communities.
In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, our host Khatera Naimee brings you the latest news and two insightful interviews.
In the news segment, the first story covers Zakir Naik, a renowned Islamic scholar, who has arrived in Pakistan at the invitation of the government. During his visit, he will hold religious gatherings and meet with officials. Zakir Naik is currently residing in Malaysia and is wanted by India on charges of money laundering and promoting extremism. The second news highlights a historic achievement in football, as Barcelona became the first team in La Liga history to score 6,500 goals. This milestone was reached with a goal from Robert Lewandowski in a match against Getafe. Barcelona, having played 94 seasons, surpassed Real Madrid's 5,499 goals, and Lewandowski remains the league's top scorer this season with seven goals.
In the second part of the program, we feature two inspiring interviews. The first is with Shabnam, a young Afghan refugee poetess, who shares her journey from becoming a declamator to finding her voice as a poet. She talks about her life in Pakistan and recites two of her poems during the interview, offering a glimpse into her artistic expression and personal experiences.
The second interview is with a remarkable Afghan woman who has found success working with the United Nations. She shares how she is helping Afghan refugees in Pakistan and the impact her work has had on the community. Her story of perseverance and dedication is one you won't want to miss.
Finally, Khatera will conclude the show with a beautiful poem by the great Persian poet Hafiz, leaving listeners with a heartfelt message of hope and inspiration.
In today's episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, our host Raees Bacha brings you the latest news and two compelling interviews.
In the news segment, we discuss Malala Yousafzai's recent call for the international community to recognize the Taliban's gender-based discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan as a crime against humanity. We also report on the concerning rise in polio cases, with 19 cases reported in Afghanistan and 18 in Pakistan, the only two countries where the virus still affects children.
We celebrate the success of the Afghanistan national futsal team, which has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup, joining the top 16 teams. They are set to face Brazil and Paraguay in the upcoming matches.
Our first interview delves into the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Afghan students' admissions at Kohat University. We speak with an Afghan student leader who provides detailed insights into this issue.
In our second interview, we highlight the vibrant celebration of Afghan Culture Week, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of the Afghan community. Afghan people are celebrating their culture through various events this September, and we'll bring you an in-depth look at these celebrations.
Tune in for an informative and engaging episode that covers significant developments affecting the Afghan community and the broader global context. Stay tuned to Awaz-e-Dosti.
