In 2013, a young boy named Muneeb and his family embarked on a life-altering journey from Pakistan to Thailand, seeking refuge from persecution. Now 22, Muneeb reflects on a path marked by immense hardship, yet also by courage and unwavering perseverance.

A Childhood Interrupted in Pakistan

Muneeb's early life in Pakistan was simple and joyful. He lived with his father, a police officer in Lahore, Punjab, his homemaker mother, and his older brother. Mornings were filled with shared breakfasts, and his father would take him and his brother to school on his motorcycle. After school, Muneeb would walk home with his best friend. These everyday moments—like enjoying a cold slushie on a hot summer afternoon or playing hide-and-seek during a power outage—became cherished memories.

However, their world was shattered when extremists burned down a community. Muneeb's father, a man of integrity and courage, filed a lawsuit against the perpetrators in the High Court. The pursuit of justice came at a heavy price. Anonymous threats warned them to withdraw the lawsuit or face danger. Despite the escalating threats, his father remained resolute, his determination to support the survivors unwavering. One day, their worst fears materialized: Muneeb's home was attacked. Realizing his family was no longer safe, his father sought refuge with relatives, but even there, security was elusive.

"If we had stayed, we might not be alive today," Muneeb recalls. To protect his family, his father made the painful decision to leave everything behind and flee to Thailand.

The Harsh Reality of Refugee Life in Thailand

Muneeb, only eleven at the time, felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about leaving Pakistan. A naturally social child, he dreamed of becoming a doctor and looked forward to meeting new people, improving his English, and starting a new life. However, the reality of their arrival in Thailand starkly contrasted with his expectations.

On June 16, 2013, they arrived in Bangkok with high hopes. The initial excitement of being in a new country quickly faded as they navigated an unfamiliar land. Due to a friend's misdirection, they initially went to Pattaya instead of Bangkok. It took nearly a week to learn that refugee status applications had to be made at the UNHCR office in Bangkok. They traveled for hours from Pattaya to reach the office, only to face a lengthy process of interviews and assessments. That day, they didn't finish their interviews until the afternoon, and it wasn't until they returned to his father's friend's house that evening that they had their first meal of the day. Unaccustomed to Thai cuisine, they found it difficult to buy food from street vendors.

They endured repeated interviews with the UNHCR, holding onto hope for refugee status and UN protection. Years passed, but the news they received was devastating: their case was closed, and the UNHCR could do no more. This meant they would not receive official refugee status, nor any resettlement or protection.

A Father's Regret, A Son's Comfort

The car ride home after receiving the news was silent. His father sat with his head bowed, his eyes filled with exhaustion and despair. He softly told Muneeb, "I'm sorry, son. If I could do it again, I wouldn't have brought you out. Then you wouldn't have to suffer so much." Muneeb's heart ached for his father, knowing the immense pressure he bore and his constant struggle for the family.

He took his father's hand and tried to comfort him: "Dad, don't think that way. If you hadn't brought us out, we might not be alive. The most important thing is that we are still here." His father's eyes welled up. Though the future remained uncertain, Muneeb knew they had to persevere.

Their challenges deepened a year later when his father suffered an accident during a church swimming outing. He fell by the pool, resulting in complete paralysis from the neck down, placing an even heavier burden on the family. After his father's discharge, their financial difficulties meant they couldn't afford essential medical supplies, particularly catheters and urine bags. Hospital staff informed them that, as foreigners without government subsidies, these items would cost between 1,000 and 2,000 Thai Baht (approx. 30-60 USD)—an unbearable expense for them.

Doctors recommended changing the catheter every two to three months, but due to lack of funds, they were forced to use the same catheter for six to seven months, improvising with plastic bags when the urine bags broke. Every night, family members took turns staying awake to help his father change positions and attend to his daily needs, living in extreme hardship.

From then on, Muneeb, at twelve, and his thirteen-year-old brother became the family's hope. They understood that only through hard work could they secure their basic livelihood. They bravely ventured out, searching for jobs. However, the harsh reality of the outside world presented many obstacles. Their young age and lack of legal status made many employers hesitant. Despite this, Muneeb and his brother did not give up, persistently seeking help. Finally, the owner of a speaker company heard their story, felt deep sympathy, and offered his brother a job.

Finding Purpose at the Tzu Chi Clinic

Years later, as Muneeb grew older, he found work at a logistics company. It was then that he heard about the Tzu Chi free clinic, which provided medical services to refugees. One day, a friend invited him to volunteer as a translator at the clinic. He initially thought it was a small, monthly event, but was surprised and intrigued to discover that services were offered twice a week.

Tzu Chi also organized winter distributions for refugees. Muneeb initially attended to receive supplies, but seeing other refugees busy assisting those who hadn't yet registered, he volunteered to help. The moment he put on the Tzu Chi volunteer vest, he realized this was more than just work; it was a mission. From that day on, Muneeb continuously learned and gradually transformed under the influence of Tzu Chi's humanistic culture.

At the Tzu Chi free clinic, Muneeb initially only learned to create patient cards and upload photos, finishing his work for the day afterward. However, he was eventually assigned to translate in the doctor's consultation room, interacting with many patients. The patients' constant expressions of gratitude and blessings made Muneeb deeply aware of the importance of his contributions.

A Transformation Through Service

Since joining Tzu Chi, Muneeb has undergone a significant inner transformation. In his previous job at the logistics company, he was short-tempered and often clashed with others. However, under the patient guidance of Tzu Chi volunteers, he gradually learned to control his emotions, empathize with others, act with humility, and listen attentively.

At the Tzu Chi free clinic, patients arrive continuously. Muneeb continues to serve his fellow refugees, gradually experiencing the joy of helping others. The ability to assist those in need and connect with friends brings him immense happiness and satisfaction.

Today, despite the ongoing challenges in his life, Muneeb continues to seek opportunities for legal residency, hoping to one day live without fear or worry. Regardless of what the future holds, he firmly believes that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, helping him become a better person. Muneeb is grateful to Tzu Chi for giving him the chance to help others, and to all the Tzu Chi people and friends around him who have helped him realize the value and warmth of life.

Written by Budsara Sombut (桑瑞蓮)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)

Source: 在逆境中綻放的溫暖力量