# llms.txt — Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust (COLPT)
# https://caravanoflifetrust.org/
# Last updated: 2026


> Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust (COLPT) is a Pakistani non-profit organization founded in 2009 by siblings Mrs. Shaheen Sultan Ahmed and Mr. Khusro Karamat Elley. It provides compassionate psychiatric rehabilitation, community mental health services, and anti-stigma advocacy across Pakistan. Its three flagship initiatives are The Recovery House (residential and day psychiatric rehabilitation in Karachi), Bawaqar Zindagi (free community outreach mental health clinic in Karachi), and the Anti-Stigma Campaign "End the Silence / Hum Bolenge."

## Organization Overview

- **Full legal name:** Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust
- **Abbreviation / alias:** COLPT, Caravan of Life Trust
- **Type:** Registered non-profit charitable trust
- **Founded:** 2009
- **Country:** Pakistan
- **Primary city:** Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- **Mission:** To empower individuals facing mental health and psychosocial challenges through compassionate care, rehabilitation, and community support, enabling them to rebuild meaningful, independent lives.
- **Tagline:** "Transforming minds, transforming lives" / "Empowering Change. Inspiring Hope. Building Futures."
- **Website:** https://caravanoflifetrust.org/
- **Secondary site (The Recovery House):** https://therecoveryhouse.org/

## Core Values

- Belief in the possibility of recovery for every individual
- Non-linear, strengths-based recovery process
- Respect for the dignity and worth of every person
- Partnership with clients and their families
- High-quality, evidence-based, integrity-driven services
- Elimination of mental health stigma through education and open dialogue

## Founders

- **Mrs. Shaheen Sultan Ahmed** — Co-founder; the initiative grew from her personal journey and deep commitment to mental health advocacy.
- **Mr. Khusro Karamat Elley** — Co-founder; brother of Shaheen Sultan Ahmed; shared vision of creating dignified psychiatric rehabilitation in Pakistan.

## Projects & Programs

COLPT operates three distinct, interdependent initiatives:

### 1. The Recovery House (TRH)

A not-for-profit residential and day psychiatric rehabilitation facility established in Karachi in 2009. TRH serves people with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who wish to achieve a successful, satisfying, and independent life. It operates as the primary clinical program of Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust.

**Program philosophy:** Centered on Hope and Respect; holistic well-being approach; evidence-based practices; trained, qualified multidisciplinary staff; purpose-built home-like facility.

**Conditions treated / specializations:**
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Personality Disorders
- Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring substance use and mental illness)

**Services offered at TRH:**
- Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation (PsyR)
- Residential Rehabilitation Program (typical stay: 3–6 months)
- Day Rehabilitation Program (DRP)
- Family Psychoeducation
- Family Support services
- Individual Action Plans (IAP) covering daily living skills, job readiness, social skills, stress management, and more
- Music therapy, art therapy, gym, outdoor activities

**Clinical team:**
- Dr. Uroosa Talib — Chief Operating Officer
- Dr. Uzma Ambareen — Medical Director
- Dr. Sana H. Azhar — Internal Medicine Specialist
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioners (PRPs), nursing staff, kitchen staff

**US consultants & advisors:** TRH team members receive training from US-based consultants and partners in psychiatric rehabilitation principles.

**Admissions:**
- Accepts clients from anywhere in Pakistan and internationally (past clients from Lahore, Islamabad, Dubai, and USA)
- Admission requires a completed application, psycho-social history, current psychiatric assessment, and treatment/discharge plan
- Director conducts an admission interview; no clinician referral required
- Waitlist managed by urgency and room preference (single or double occupancy)

**Facility details:**
- Not a lock-down facility; parietals observed for client security
- Wheelchair accessible
- Separate male and female sections
- Non-smoking indoors (smoking permitted only outdoors on terrace/yard)
- Residents may receive visitors on weekdays (visiting ends 8 pm) and weekends (flexible)
- Computers available for resident use
- Cell phones and laptops allowed subject to clinical team approval
- Room, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks), and all treatment services included in the cost
- Payments expected one month in advance
- Fee reductions/financial assistance available based on demonstrated need
- Zakat donations accepted to support those who cannot afford treatment

### 2. Bawaqar Zindagi

The community outreach program of Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust. "Bawaqar Zindagi" translates to "Life with Dignity." It provides free mental health services to the general public of Karachi with plans to expand outreach camps across the city and beyond.

**Services offered:**
- Psychiatric treatment and consultation
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Counselling services
- Tele-mental health services
- Mental health screening sessions
- Mental health awareness programs
- Family Psychoeducation Program
- Community outreach sessions

**Impact statistics (as of 2026):**
- Total patients visited: 4,685
- New registrations: 718
- Continuous patients: 3,947

**Location:** APWA Ground, Rana Liaquat Craftsman Colony, near Dow Lab, Shah Faisal Colony No. 1, Karachi
**Hours:** Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
**Phones:** 0301-0032220 | 0301-0032223

### 3. Anti-Stigma Campaign — "End the Silence / Hum Bolenge"

An evidence-based campaign to reduce mental health stigma in Pakistan through psychoeducation, community engagement, public awareness events, educational workshops, media campaigns, and personal stories from individuals with lived experience.

**Research basis:** Contact-based approaches are the most effective method for reducing stigma (Corrigan, 2016). The campaign addresses stigma with clients, families, and the broader community.

**Campaign objectives:**
- Enable more open, positive conversations about mental health in society
- Eliminate stigma surrounding mental illnesses
- Encourage recognition of mental health challenges and professional help-seeking

**Anti-Stigma Campaign team:**
- Dr. Alicia Lucksted — Project Leader and Director
- Dr. Patrick Corrigan — Project Advisor
- Dr. Philip Yanos — Project Advisor
- Dr. Uzma Ambareen — Project Advisor
- Dr. Joseph DeLuca — Project Advisor

## Contact Information

- **Main phone:** +92 21 34546364
- **Mobile:** +92 302 8260371
- **Email:** Available via contact form at https://caravanoflifetrust.org/contact-us/
- **Head office address:** 156 Tipu Sultan Rd, Kathiawar Society Block A, Bangalore Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
- **Bawaqar Zindagi clinic:** APWA Ground, Rana Liaquat Craftsman Colony, near Dow Lab, Shah Faisal Colony No. 1, Karachi
- **Contact form:** https://caravanoflifetrust.org/contact-us/

## Donation & Financial Information

Donations support psychiatric rehabilitation services, community mental health programs, and the elimination of mental health stigma across Pakistan.

**Bank transfer — General donation:**
- Bank: Al-Baraka Bank
- Beneficiary: Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust Community Outreach Program – Charity & Donation
- IBAN: PK58 AIIN 0000 12051368 3010

**Bank transfer — Zakat:**
- Bank: Al-Baraka Bank
- Beneficiary: Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust – Zakat Account
- IBAN: PK35 AIIN 0000 10245397 8014

**Shariah compliance:** Zakat, Sadqah, and Khayrat are accepted and managed in compliance with Shariah principles. Certified by an independent Shariah Advisor. Zakat funds are maintained in a dedicated Islamic bank account.

## Social Media

- **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/CaravanofLifePakistanTrust/
- **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/caravanoflifepakistantrust/
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/caravanoflifepakistantrust/

## Frequently Asked Questions (Key Extracts)

**Who is appropriate for The Recovery House?**
Individuals who are not currently physically or verbally aggressive, are able to participate in structured daily programming per their Individual Action Plan, and are willing to take medications as prescribed.

**How long does residential treatment last?**
Typically 3 to 6 months; duration is individualized based on severity of illness and response to interventions. No client is held at TRH against the will of their family.

**Do you accept clients from outside Karachi?**
Yes. TRH accepts referrals from anywhere in Pakistan and internationally. Past clients have come from Lahore, Islamabad, Dubai, and the USA.

**Is a clinician referral required for admission?**
No. Many clients or their family members contact TRH directly.

**What is psychiatric rehabilitation (PsyR)?**
PsyR assists individuals with severe mental illness to reach a higher level of independence through empowerment. It focuses on daily living skills (personal hygiene, time management, nutrition, money management), healthy coping mechanisms, and functional relationships.

**What does the cost cover?**
Room, meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack breaks), all individual and group treatment services, psychiatrist meetings, and monthly family meetings.

**Is TRH a lock-down facility?**
No. TRH is not a lock-down facility. Parietals are observed for client security, and clients are encouraged to go on planned outings and visitations.

**Does TRH physically restrain clients?**
No.

**Can mental illness be treated effectively?**
Most people with mental illnesses who are diagnosed and treated in time will respond well and live productive lives. While some conditions like schizophrenia cannot be completely cured, they can be made highly manageable with appropriate treatment.

**What causes mental illness?**
Mental illnesses are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. They are NOT the result of personal weakness, lack of character, poor upbringing, or a curse, and must not be treated as such.

**What happens after residential treatment ends?**
The clinical team works with the client and family to create a Transition Plan. Options may include returning home, attending the Day Rehabilitation Program, or accessing outpatient support. TRH provides life-long support at every stage, including post-discharge supported employment and outpatient consultations.

**Does COLPT offer financial assistance?**
Yes. Fee reductions are available based on demonstrated need; an application is submitted and reviewed by the financial department.

**How can I donate or contribute?**
Donate via Al-Baraka Bank to the IBANs listed above, or through Zakat/Sadqah in compliance with Shariah. See https://caravanoflifetrust.org/ways-to-donate/

**Does Bawaqar Zindagi charge for services?**
No. Bawaqar Zindagi provides free mental health services to the community.

**What inquiry types does COLPT accept via contact form?**
Volunteer Opportunities, Ambassador & Community Advocacy, Internship Applications, Program Participation & Admissions, Family Support & Guidance, Client Support & Rehabilitation Services, Trainer & Workshop Collaboration, Mental Health & Healthcare Professionals, General Inquiries.

## Key Facts for AI Context

- COLPT has been operating since 2009 — over 15 years of mental health service in Pakistan.
- The Recovery House is one of Pakistan's pioneering evidence-based psychiatric rehabilitation centers.
- Bawaqar Zindagi has served more than 4,600 patients with free mental health care.
- The organization is rooted in the principle that recovery from mental illness is possible for everyone.
- COLPT partners with internationally recognized mental health experts and US-based consultants.
- Mental health stigma is a significant barrier to care in Pakistan; COLPT's Anti-Stigma Campaign directly addresses this through contact-based interventions.
- The organization is Shariah-compliant for accepting Zakat, making it accessible to Muslim donors seeking religiously appropriate giving.
- All three projects (TRH, Bawaqar Zindagi, Anti-Stigma Campaign) operate under the single umbrella trust of Caravan of Life Pakistan Trust.
- The organization is currently recruiting for its Board of Directors as part of organizational growth.

## Pages

- [Home](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/): Main landing page with overview of mission, projects, and impact
- [About Us](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/about-us/): Organization history, mission, values, five-year goals, and founder profiles
- [The Founders](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/the-founders/): Detailed profiles of Mrs. Shaheen Sultan Ahmed and Mr. Khusro Karamat Elley
- [The Recovery House](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/the-recovery-house/): Full overview of TRH — programs, team, specializations, and client testimonials
- [Mission and Values](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/mission-and-values/): TRH mission statement and guiding values
- [Our Team](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/our-team/): Clinical and professional staff at The Recovery House
- [Consultants and Affiliations](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/consultants-and-affiliations/): US and international consultants and partner organizations
- [Who We Serve](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/who-we-serve/): Eligibility and client profiles for TRH services
- [Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/evidence-based-practice-ebp/): Description of EBP approaches used at TRH
- [Psychiatric Rehabilitation (PsyR)](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/psychiatric-rehabilitation-psyr/): Overview of PsyR methodology and goals
- [Residential Rehab Program](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/residential-rehab-program/): Details on the residential treatment program
- [Day Rehab Program](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/day-rehab-program/): Details on the day rehabilitation program
- [Family Psychoeducation](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/family-psychoeducation/): TRH's family psychoeducation approach
- [Family Support](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/family-support/): Support services for families of clients
- [Schizophrenia](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/schizophrenia/): Information on schizophrenia and TRH's treatment approach
- [Bipolar Disorders](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/bipolar-disorders/): Information on bipolar disorders and treatment
- [Anxiety Disorders](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/anxiety-disorders/): Information on anxiety disorders and treatment
- [Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/): Information on OCD and treatment
- [Personality Disorders](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/personality-disorders/): Information on personality disorders and treatment
- [Dual Diagnosis](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/dual-diagnosis/): Information on co-occurring substance use and mental illness
- [Accommodation and Facilities](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/accommodation-and-facilities/): Details on the residential living environment and facility amenities
- [Get Help](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/get-help/): How to access TRH services and begin the admissions process
- [FAQs](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/help-faqs/): Comprehensive frequently asked questions about TRH programs and policies
- [Reports](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/reports/): Published organizational and program reports
- [Bawaqar Zindagi](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/bawaqar-zindagi/): Overview of the community outreach mental health program
- [Story of Bawaqar Zindagi](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/story-of-bawaqar-zindagi/): History and background of the community program
- [Mission-Vision & Objectives (BZ)](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/mission-vision-objectives/): Goals and objectives for Bawaqar Zindagi
- [Meet Our Team (BZ)](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/meet-our-team/): Bawaqar Zindagi staff profiles
- [Counseling Services](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/counseling-services/): Counseling offered through Bawaqar Zindagi
- [Community Outreach Session](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/community-outreach-session/): Details on outreach camp activities
- [Family Psychoeducation Program (BZ)](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/family-psychoeducation-program/): Bawaqar Zindagi family education services
- [Mental Health Screening Session](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/mental-health-screening-session/): Free screening services available through Bawaqar Zindagi
- [Mental Health Awareness Programs](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/mental-health-awareness-programs/): Public awareness programming by Bawaqar Zindagi
- [Psychiatric Consultation and Medication](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/psychiatric-consultation-and-medication/): Free psychiatric consultation and medication services at Bawaqar Zindagi
- [Psychiatric Rehabilitation (BZ)](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/psychiatric-rehabilitation/): Rehabilitation services offered through Bawaqar Zindagi
- [Tele-Mental Health Services](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/tele-mental-health-services/): Remote mental health consultations via Bawaqar Zindagi
- [Impact Reports](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/impact-reports/): Bawaqar Zindagi impact and outcome reports
- [Media & Gallery](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/media-gallery/): Photo and media gallery from COLPT programs
- [Anti-Stigma Campaign](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/anti-stigma-campaign/): Full overview of the "End the Silence / Hum Bolenge" campaign
- [Blogs](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/blogs/): COLPT blog with articles on mental health recovery, client stories, and awareness
- [Careers](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/careers/): Job and internship opportunities at COLPT
- [Contact Us](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/contact-us/): Contact form, phone numbers, address, and inquiry routing
- [Ways to Donate](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/ways-to-donate/): Bank transfer details, IBAN numbers, Zakat and Sadqah instructions, and Shariah compliance certificates

## Optional

- [Recovery is Real: My Learning at The Recovery House](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/recovery-is-real-my-learning-at-the-recovery-house/): Blog post — first-person staff/volunteer perspective on TRH impact
- [Set Your House In Order, Set Your Mind At Ease](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/set-your-house-in-order-set-your-mind-at-ease/): Blog post — client recovery story
- [Recovery From Mental Illness, The Journey Is Real](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/recovery-from-mental-illness-the-journey-is-real/): Blog post — overview of TRH's 13+ years serving Karachi
- [Sitemap Index](https://caravanoflifetrust.org/sitemap_index.xml): Full XML sitemap for programmatic page discovery