Children perform during a ceremony marking International Children's Day at the Islamabad China-Pakistan Youth One Heart Step and Cure Home (ICOSH), in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on June 1, 2025. Established in 2023 by the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation and the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC), ICOSH began with the mission of assisting critically ill Pakistani patients seeking treatment in the capital. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
By Misbah Saba Malik
ISLAMABAD, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Muhammad Shahab has been living with his sister at the Islamabad China-Pakistan Youth One Heart Step and Cure Home (ICOSH), a compassionate shelter made possible through the generous support of the Chinese people, and has found strength, comfort and courage to dream of a brighter future.
An orphan with no relatives, Shahab lost his mother, who bravely fought oral cancer. In her final days, she entrusted ICOSH with her children, a gesture that speaks volumes about the trust and love she felt for this place.
"This home means everything to us. The Pakistani staff treats us with kindness and care, and Chinese friends visit us every week to see how we are doing. They ensure we have access to quality education, nutritious meals, and a safe, loving environment. ICOSH is more than a home, it is our protection, our hope, and our family," the 11-year-old, who has been living in the home for about a year, told Xinhua.
Established in 2023 by the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation and the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC), ICOSH began with the mission of assisting critically ill Pakistani patients seeking treatment in the capital. Today, it has grown into a haven offering temporary shelter for disabled and seriously ill children, as well as full-time residence for 21 orphans, including Shahab.
Shahab's late mother, who stayed at the compassionate home for several months, deeply appreciated the care she received and asked the center's administration to look after her children after her passing, according to Sobia Adnan, the Pakistani director of ICOSH.
"She was a seriously ill patient who entrusted her children to us based on her own experience here," Sobia said. "It reflects the deep trust that people have in ICOSH."
She added that all orphans at the center have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, like Shahab and his sister, who witnessed their mother's passing after a battle with cancer. Beyond meeting their basic needs, ICOSH places strong emphasis on the emotional well-being of the children.
To support this, volunteer teachers visit the children in their rooms, fostering a nurturing and understanding environment where they can heal and thrive, she added.
Since its establishment, ICOSH has provided care and assistance to 130 children who stayed temporarily while receiving treatment for various illnesses, before leaving once cured, Sobia said.
The resident orphans attend local schools, with their education fully funded by Chinese support. In the future, based on their interests and talents, these children may be sent to China for higher education after completing their college education in Pakistan.
"The center is a ray of hope for poor, underprivileged children who would have faced life's hardships alone if the Chinese people had not extended their hand and offered them warmth," she added.
Speaking to Xinhua, Ma Bin, the head of the CPYEC, said the center embodies the deep friendship between the Pakistani and Chinese peoples.
Since its inception, ICOSH has upheld the principle of "people-to-people communication," offering shelter, medical care, and educational support to impoverished families and orphans.
"Every recovered child and every smiling face tell the heartfelt story of China-Pakistan friendship. Love knows no borders, and good deeds have no boundaries. To support these beloved Pakistani children, many Chinese enterprises in Pakistan, with the backing of the Chinese embassy, have joined forces in this public welfare initiative, creating a strong relay of charitable efforts," he said.
"This collaboration not only empowers the development of vulnerable families but also helps the Belt and Road Initiative's vision of people-to-people connectivity take root. We believe that even more social forces will join this caring mission in the future," Ma added.
As the partnership between Pakistan and China continues to strengthen, initiatives like this shelter stand as powerful symbols of solidarity and hope, Shiffa Butt, a volunteer at the home, told Xinhua.
"Through sustained support and shared commitment, countless vulnerable children are being given the chance to rebuild their lives, pursue education, and dream of a brighter tomorrow, demonstrating the enduring impact of friendship beyond borders," she added.
Children attend a ceremony marking the International Children's Day at the Islamabad China-Pakistan Youth One Heart Step and Cure Home (ICOSH), in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on June 1, 2025. Established in 2023 by the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation and the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC), ICOSH began with the mission of assisting critically ill Pakistani patients seeking treatment in the capital. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
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