Roshni Helpline, a non-profit and non-government organization (NGO) came into being, in 2006. The Organization is registered as Roshni Research & Development Welfare Organization (Roshni Helpline) with the Social Welfare Wing Community Development Department, City District Government Karachi Under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration & Control) Ordinance, 1961 (XLVI of 1961).The founder of the Network, Muhammad Ali, a human rights activist - who, for more than 20 years, has worked on the issues of human rights of children, women, and ethnic minorities, started the Organization as a small network. He soon developed it to a vast organization of volunteers. The Roshni Helpline has developed a unique Referral System in liaison with law enforcement agencies; legal advocacy groups and individuals; children and women rights organizations and activists and media organizations. The system, as was its aim, has helped in: quick and safe recovery of missing children; in follow-up investigation into the causes of children missing; in development of a mechanism for their protection and safety of children, in extending psychosocial help and support for the affected families. The organization is also protecting the women against gender based violence issues. The organization is providing psychological and legal support to GBV survivors and other services through referral partners. In recognition of the remarkable work done by the Roshni Helpline, Ashoka International has awarded Ashoka Fellowship to its founder Muhammad Ali.