In the underprivileged village of Baluchistan, a young Lal Muhammad was born with a passion to make a difference. Raised in Karachi, Sindh, he excelled in his studies, achieving 80% in his matriculation exams and later completing his high school education in pre-engineering. As a first-generation college student, he broke barriers by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Karachi.
Lal’s dedication to community development began early, volunteering for youth development in his village. His professional journey started at HANDS, a leading NGO in Pakistan, where he worked as a computer operator and later rose through the ranks to become Communication Manager. His exceptional work earned him the HANDS Best Performance Award in Data Management & Operating in 2002 and the Best Service Award in 2003.
Lal’s impactful projects include the “Adolescent Girls Empowerment (AGE)” project, which successfully advocated for the passage of the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Bill in 2014. He also played a crucial role in the “Reshaping Family Planning (FP) and Maternal Child Health (MCH) Services through the Marvi Model” project, expanding access to quality healthcare services in underserved areas.
As Senior Communication Manager, Lal led the Crisis and Risk Emergency Communication (CERC) project in Nepal after the 2015 earthquakes, promoting disaster mitigation and preparedness. He also supported the rehabilitation and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the HANDS Independent Living Centers (ILCs) Project.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lal managed the Corona Emergency Response Fund, raising awareness and facilitating food distribution to 5,000 families. He also oversaw the Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) strategy, training frontline health workers and promoting hygiene practices.
Lal’s dedication to community development has earned him numerous awards, including the Outstanding Performance award by HANDS Pakistan for his role in disaster risk management during the Sindh Floods 2022.
Currently, as Communication Officer at HANDS Institute of Development Studies, Lal works on the “Advancing Leadership of Women and Girls Toward Better Health and Climate Resilience” project, empowering women and girls in low-resource communities.
Lal’s journey serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to community development, inspiring countless individuals and communities along the way. His tireless efforts have made a lasting impact, and his story is a shining example of the power of dedication and passion.
