Blind Not Bound: Engineer Ilyas Loses Sight but Not His Spirit

Meet Muhammad Ilyas Khan, a 60-year-old engineer from Karachi who has redefined hope and determination for many of us. After losing his vision at the age of 50—a loss that also affected his only source of income—Ilyas opened his own shop, defying the challenges and hardships of life.

"Allah jab ek cheez leta hai tou dosri dugni kar deta hai... Allah ne jab meri ankhain lein tou mujhe himmat di aur is tarah mere doosre senses ko tez kar diya."

(When Allah takes something away, He gives something else in abundance. When He took my eyes, He gave me courage and sharpened my other senses.)

Despite his blindness, Ilyas remains a firm believer. He expressed his devotion to Allah, saying that his eyesight was a trusted blessing (amanat) from Allah, and his Lord chose to take it back. Engineer Ilyas now relies on his hands to perfectly identify problems or issues in machines—something he believes is a miraculous gift from the Almighty.

Speaking to Dialogue Pakistan, Ilyas urges the audience to support differently-abled persons by empowering them and providing opportunities, rather than offering help out of pity or undermining them.

Muhammad Ilyas Khan is a true inspiration and his determination to work embodies the timeless principle: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” His dedication and unwavering passion for his work continue to uplift and motivate others.

Watch our featured story on Muhammad Ilyas Khan—a tale of resilience and hope in times of hardship.

If you'd like to visit his shop or contact him, you may reach him at +92 332 6438273.