Shahnaz lives with her husband, two daughters and son in Rabnawaz village in Rajanpur, a district in Pakistan.

“My husband works as a daily wages labourer and we survive mostly off his income. I help during the harvest and receive some of the crop as payment. This helps supplement our income,” Shahnaz explains.

“Our standard of living is very basic. We often struggle to buy enough food, and meat is a rare luxury. We live in a small mud house and water leaks through the walls and ceiling when it rains.

“My children go to a nearby government school, but we can’t afford extra books or toys for them. When someone falls sick, we rely on government hospitals or home remedies. Still, we are grateful for whatever little we have, and I keep hoping for a better tomorrow.”

“Meat is not part of our daily diet. Months go by without it. My husband, my children and I feel the difference in our bodies. My husband wakes up tired. I also feel weak as I can’t work as long or as hard as I used to. Back pain, joint stiffness and body aches have become a routine part of life. My children are also suffering from malnutrition.

“Meat is like gold for us and I save money for days to buy healthy and nutritious food like meat for my children to make them happy and healthy. We only get enough [meat] on Eid al-Adha.

Bringing joy and happiness to Pakistan

Shahnaz is one of almost 75,000 people in Pakistan to receive a qurban meat parcel from Islamic Relief in 2025.

Worldwide, Islamic Relief’s 2025 qurban distribution reached more than 3.2 million people in 29 countries, easing the burden on vulnerable families, supporting their nutrition and sharing the joy of Eid.

“Eid al-Adha is the only time in the year when we eat meat properly,” Shahnaz says. “It brings joy and happiness to my family, especially my children, and a sense of equality. We feel included, like others. It reminds us that Allah provides and gives us hope to keep going despite hardships.

“The qurban meat pack brought happiness to our home. My children were excited to eat meat after a long time. It made our Eid special and gave us a feeling of being cared for. We felt blessed and thankful to those who shared with us.

“I want to say thank you to Islamic Relief for remembering families like ours. Your support brings home and dignity to our lives. May Allah bless you for your kindness and efforts.”

Fulfil your Qurban this Eid. Give generously to our Qurban Appeal to help us reach even more families like Shahnaz’s in Pakistan and beyond this year.