About US
Birth Defects Foundation (BDF) is a Pakistan-based non-profit organization, legally registered in 2017 under the Societies Act of 1860, and recognized by the Charity Commission and the Federal Board of Revenue.
We are dedicated to transforming the lives of children born with congenital anomalies by offering free, high-quality medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care. BDF focuses on more than 18 types of birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, intersex conditions, hypospadias, undescended testes, clubfoot, hydrocephalus, and many others.
Operating across Pakistan, we manage five fully functional centers located in Lahore (two centers), Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur. In Bahawalpur, we also host the country’s first dedicated CAH (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia) Research Center to address the ongoing specialist needs of this condition.
All our services are free for patients, including surgeries (thousands of successful operations for cleft anomalies, intersex surgeries, etc.), outpatient consultations, diagnostic ultrasounds, and free lifetime medications for CAH patients.
Besides medical treatment, we are committed to rehabilitation and empowerment—providing skill-based training and economic opportunities to marginalized groups including intersex, transgender individuals, children with congenital anomalies, and their families.
We also engage in educational advocacy, working with our Advisory Board to design university-level curricula on intersex health and gender dysphoria, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are better equipped with knowledge, sensitivity, and competency.
Understanding the Difference Between Transgender and Intersex – Birth Defects Foundation
There is often confusion between transgender individuals and intersex (khunsa) children, though both are entirely different in nature, cause, and treatment.
Intersex (Khunsa):
These are children born with ambiguous genitalia or unclear sexual characteristics due to a birth defect. Such cases are medically treatable. Through proper diagnosis and corrective surgery, their biological sex — granted by Allah at birth — can be clarified. Islam allows and supports such medical correction to help the child live a normal life.
Transgender:
A transgender person, on the other hand, is someone who psychologically feels that their gender identity differs from their biological sex. This is recognized as a psychological condition (Gender Dysphoria), not a physical defect. Islam does not permit surgical alteration of one’s gender, as it involves changing the natural creation of Allah. The appropriate treatment is psychological counseling and rehabilitation, not surgery.
At Birth Defects Foundation (BDF), both medical correction for intersex children and psychological guidance for transgender individuals are provided
Birth Defect Foundation Achievements
Bridging Nations for a Brighter Future Consul General of Japan Mr. ISOMURA TOSHIKAZU in Karachi Addresses the Grand Opening Of Birth Defects Foundation's Karachi e-health Centre .
We were honored to welcome Dr. Claire Pamment (USA) to the Birth Defects Foundation, where she visited our facilities and appreciated our ongoing efforts for children born with congenital anomalies.
Representatives from the Embassy of Japan visited the Rawalpindi Center of the Birth Defects Foundation, appreciating our initiatives for the treatment and rehabilitation of children with congenital anomalies
renowned women's organization Inner Wheel based in the UK (Manchester), boasts a global presence with more than 190 branches across different countries. Our dedicated team at Inner Wheel is committed to providing support to Birth Defects Foundation. We are proud to select Birth Defects Foundation as our designated partner for the 2023-24 term, Inner Wheel’s Pakistan chapter dedicated its support to Birth Defects Foundation and received an award for championing this unique cause. BDF representatives Mrs. Nooreen Ansar and Miss Furqan joined the Inner Wheel team in celebrating this achievement.
A delegation of foreign doctors from the United Kingdom visited and, under the Birth Defect Foundation, performed five highly sensitive surgeries completely free of charge. After the successful completion of one of these remarkable surgeries, the patient Annum from Kamoki,Pakistan joined the medical team for a photo.
Professor Dr. Afzal Sheikh, Chief Surgeon of the Birth Defect Foundation, examining children with ambiguous genitalia during the weekly OPD.
In the weekly OPD for children with ambiguous genitalia, families wait for their turn with hope and patience. The Birth Defect Foundation provides this OPD service completely free of cost — offering equal care and treatment to every patient, regardless of their financial status, whether rich or poor.
Professor Dr. Afzal Sheikh –Chief Surgeon of Birth Defects Foundation A True Deserving Recipient of the Pride of Performance Award
is a remarkable humanitarian and medical professional who has successfully performed thousands of cleft lip and palate surgeries.
Every surgery at the Foundation — especially those conducted purely on a charity basis — has been performed under his skilled hands and dedicated supervision.
Dr. Afzal Sheikh’s tireless efforts and unmatched commitment to serving children born with facial deformities are a shining example of compassion, excellence, and service to humanity.
On behalf of Birth Defects Foundation and Chairman Ansar Javaíd, we earnestly appeal to the Government of Pakistan to recognize his extraordinary services by honouring him with the “Pride of Performance Award.”
Group photo of children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH 46XX), a condition affecting mostly girls (about 97%). These children underwent successful surgeries supported entirely through charity by generous donors. They require lifelong medication — Fludrocortisone and Hydrocortisone — which are also provided to them completely free of cost by the Birth Defect Foundation.
After successfully conducting the seminar at Fountain House, Lahore, which was hosted by the Akhwet Foundation, the focus of the seminar was "How We Can Support the Transgender Community." The speakers included Chairman Ansar Javaid and Dr. Liaqat Ali Mirza, an Endocrinologist from the Birth Defects Foundation, along with Uzma, the Director of Akhwet Foundation, who gathered with members of the transgender community for a group photo.
Assembly of God Church, Youhanabad, Lahore,Pakistan to deliver an important awareness session on the difference between transgender and intersex individuals.
The Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation addressed the congregation, highlighting the importance of understanding, acceptance, and equal medical care for every human being—regardless of gender, color, race, or religion.
It is worth mentioning that the Foundation has previously conducted similar awareness sessions at Koy Luke Path Church and various other churches, continuing its mission to educate and support communities across Pakistan.
Empowering Change Chairman Ansar Javaid Addresses Audience at Governor House, Accompanied by the Governor of Punjab, Ch, Mohammad Sarwar
The Governor of Punjab, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, met Mr. Ansar Javaid, Chairman of Birth Defects Foundation, and commended the organization’s dedication to improving child health, awareness, and rehabilitation for children with birth defects.
Strengthening Commitments Federal Finance Minister Mr. Shuakat Tareen Joins Chairman Ansar Javaid of BDF & TRWS to Pledge Sponsorship of Two Centers in Honor of Our Beloved Parents
Collaborative Efforts for Healthcare Provincial Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, at united Christian hospital, host by Birth Defects foundation
“Director General Research, Dr. Inam Ullah, Council of Islamic Ideology, Islamabad,Pakistan with Ansar Javaid, Chairman of Birth Different Foundation, Noreen Ansar, Vice Chairperson, and Tahira Jaweed Chaudhry, Head of Department, Health Center, in a group photo at the Council office.”
A meeting was held with the former Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan, Honourable Mr. Justice Saqib Nisar, and his esteemed spouse, wherein Mr. Ansar Javaid, Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation, and the Vice Chairperson Noreen Ansar of the organization were present, engaging in a thoughtful and inspiring group interaction.”
National and International Media Coverage
The impactful work of the Birth Defects Foundation (BDF) has gained wide recognition across both national and international media platforms, reflecting our dedication to improving the lives of children born with congenital anomalies.
Our initiatives, awareness campaigns, and success stories have been featured by leading global and local media organizations, including:
BBC World – Highlighting BDF’s groundbreaking efforts in supporting children with birth defects and promoting inclusive healthcare in Pakistan.
Voice of America (VOA) and Voice of Asia – Showcasing our mission to provide free treatment, awareness, and rehabilitation for affected families, and raising international awareness about congenital conditions.
Geo News, Hum News, Samaa TV, and Qutub-ud-Din Online Show – Covering BDF’s community outreach programs, success stories of treated children, and advocacy for intersex and congenital health rights.
Voice of America team with chairman Ansar Javaid and chief surgeon Dr.Afzal Sheihk of Birth Defects Foundation
Mr. Ansar Javaid Khan, the Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation, following a reporting session with the BBC News Team, which included Miss Farhat Rabani, took a moment to reflect.
Team of Birth Defects Foundation with Al-Jazeera channel for the filming of the documentary on Birth Defects Foundation
Prominent Personalities Who Support Our Mission
PJ Mir, former cricketer and senior journalist, is Ambassador of Birth Defects Foundation and delivered an inspiring speech during a seminar on raising awareness about congenital anomalies and child health.
Khawaja Junaid, former captain of the Pakistan hockey team, Pride of Performance award recipient, and member of the Pakistan Olympic hockey team, has joined the Birth Defects Foundation as our Brand Ambassador, supporting our mission to improve the lives of children born with congenital anomalies.
Mr. Ansar Javaid, Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation, met with the President of Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at supporting children born with congenital anomalies and improving access to free healthcare across Pakistan.
In a heartfelt gesture of support, Samia Saleem (President, Inner Wheel UK Pakistan Chapter) and Neelam Rana (General Secretary), in the presence of Chairman Ansar Javaid and Vice Chairperson Noreen Ansar, presented a donation cheque to Professor Dr. Afzal Sheikh, Chief Surgeon of the Birth Defect Foundation, for the welfare of transgender and intersex children.
Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan Approves Medical and Social Support for Intersex and Transgender Individuals
Briefing:
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Birth Defects Foundation
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Ansar Javed
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Chairman Birth Defect Foundation
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Ansar Javed
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Chairman Birth Defect Foundation