Rashidabad a name that stands for compassion, vision, and service — began as a bold dream on 130 acres of barren land near Tando Allah Yar, Sindh. What started in 1997 as an idea by a group of retired Air Force officers has blossomed into a self-sustained hub of education, healthcare, and social welfare, serving thousands of underprivileged individuals across Pakistan.

The vision was led by a close-knit group of former Air Commodores, all course mates during their service, who wanted to give back to society. Among them, Air Commodore Shabbir, fondly known as “Angel Shabbir” in the Pakistan Air Force, was the driving force. He envisioned creating an education city in a region where basic facilities were virtually nonexistent. Tragically, he was martyred, but his dream lived on through the dedication of his peers and the leadership of Mr. Ali Mohammad Shah, who now serves as the CEO of the entire project.

The area was named Rashidabad on the suggestion of M. M. Alam, the national hero of the 1965 war, symbolizing justice, progress, and moral integrity. Since its inception, the campus has grown into a fully integrated community, housing multiple institutions that serve diverse societal needs — all built without a single brick or rupee from government or NGO sources. Every structure, piece of equipment, and operational cost has been funded entirely through private donations and the personal contributions of retired officers and well-wishers.

The first facility established was a school, which later transformed into Aghosh Orphanage, providing shelter, education, and emotional care to children without families. Alongside it, the Bilquis Mushaf Fauji Foundation Hospital was constructed — a fully equipped, free-of-cost medical center now operated by the Army Foundation. It offers comprehensive healthcare services to the local population, especially the poor and marginalized.

Another major addition is the LRBT Free Eye Hospital, dedicated to treating preventable blindness and offering cataract surgeries at no cost. This facility has restored vision to thousands, reinforcing the mission of accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.

Over time, the campus expanded to include specialized institutions for vulnerable groups. The Fatmeed Foundation Center provides life-saving treatment for thalassemia patients, including regular blood transfusions and medical monitoring. A dedicated building was constructed for the IDA RIEU School for the Visually Impaired (Sultan Ali Campus), ensuring blind students receive quality education in an inclusive environment.

For individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, Dar-us-Sukun (Rajab Ali Kulsoom Bai Campus) offers residential care, therapy, and skill development programs. The HAK Technical Institute empowers youth with vocational training, and a hostel building has been allocated to support its students. Similarly, a building was assigned to The Citizens Foundation (TCF) to run a school focused on quality primary education.

Other academic initiatives include the Topian Spirit Trust Academic Campus, managed by the PAF Public School Lower Topa Old Boys Association, and SST Public School, established by the Sargodha Spirit Trust. Additionally, SIPD (Social Initiative for Professional Development) operates from the site, training government school teachers in modern pedagogical methods to improve public education standards.

To support staff from all institutions, residential facilities — including flats, apartments, and bungalows — have been built on-site, creating a cohesive and functional community. Beyond infrastructure, the project runs microfinancing programs to uplift local families, offering small loans and financial literacy to help them start businesses and achieve self-reliance.

The success of Rashidabad has inspired expansion. A similar model has been launched in Quetta, named Yunasabad, located near Samungli Airbase. In Fort Munro, on the Balochistan border, land has been secured and a hospital already constructed as part of this growing network. Future plans include establishing additional centers in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other parts of Sindh, proving that this model of compassionate development is scalable and sustainable.
Today, this initiative stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, sacrifice, and unity. With state-of-the-art facilities in education, healthcare, and rehabilitation, it continues to inspire communities and serve as a blueprint for inclusive, grassroots development across Pakistan.