Category: 2011

Wow, check this out. Its in Urdu

For those who don’t speak Urdu, the following is an English summary:

Fighting Hunger with Dignity: The Story of 3 Rupee Khana

Every so often, a single news story alters the course of a life. For Parveen Saeed, it was the haunting report of a mother who, driven by relentless poverty and hunger, took the lives of her own children. This tragedy wasn’t just another headline for Parveen—it became a personal turning point. Rather than let it slip away like so many heartbreaking stories, she transformed her grief and disbelief into action.

From her modest kitchen in a middle-class neighborhood in Karachi, she began preparing meals—not for a few, but for many. When dinner for five became dinner for ten, her family wondered how much difference it would make. But Parveen had already realized that to truly serve those in need, she needed to walk beside them. So she relocated to Khuda Ki Basti, one of Karachi’s poorest communities, and opened the first branch of what would become Khana Ghar—a kitchen for the hungry.

A Symbolic Price, A Powerful Philosophy

At Khana Ghar, a full, nutritious meal—typically roti and salan—is served for just 3 rupees. It’s not free. And that’s intentional.

Parveen believes in preserving human dignity. Free food, she learned, can sometimes lead to waste or dependence. But a nominal cost, no matter how small, gives people ownership. It affirms that they are not beggars—they are customers. When someone pays—even 3 rupees—they value the meal differently. And that subtle shift can ignite a sense of worth and motivation, nudging someone toward employment, self-respect, or simply the courage to move forward.

As inflation in Pakistan spiraled and the cost of living rose by over 200%, many expected Khana Ghar to increase its prices. But Parveen stood firm: “Our mission isn’t just about food. It’s about trust, empowerment, and community. We’ll find another way.” And she did.

Feeding Thousands, Fueled by Trust

From family donations to old classmates, Parveen’s journey began with small, personal contributions. Then came the media coverage—and with it, a wave of trust. Strangers began offering sacks of flour, bags of lentils, and crates of vegetables. Supporters knew she meant what she said, and she did what she promised. That trust became the currency that sustained and expanded Khana Ghar.

Today, multiple Khana Ghar kitchens and food pickup points operate across Karachi, feeding thousands of people daily. And yet, Parveen insists: this is just the beginning.

Even now, women wait outside Khana Ghar not for handouts, but for hope. They speak in whispers of days with no money for flour, of children who haven’t eaten. No one is turned away. If someone can’t afford the 3 rupees, the staff quietly ensures they still receive a warm meal. There’s no shame here—only kindness.

The Hunger That Truly Matters

Parveen knows that hunger isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, societal, and spiritual. She reminds us that the real solution to poverty isn’t charity alone, but a collective shift in thinking.

“Even a handful of flour,” she says, “can be a lifeline, if it’s shared.”

Her journey is proof that you don’t need wealth or a grand plan to change lives. You need conviction. You need courage. And you need compassion.

At Khana Ghar, that’s what’s on the menu—served daily, with love.