This exploratory study was designed to examine the stress faced by mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Pakistan and the impact of the stress on their family life. One hundred mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Karachi city, which is in Sindh region of Pakistan, were invited and interviewed. The results indicate that mothers having children with intellectual disabilities face high level of stress due to financial constraints, the inappropriate behavior of the children with intellectual disabilities and lack of resources and therapy facilities for their children. The mothers had symptoms of depression and negative emotional feelings which caused a negative impact on their family life. However, the social support system in Pakistan, because of joint family system, results in less stress among parents having children with intellectual disabilities. Offering prayers, watching television and chatting with friends on the telephone are the most common strategies used by these mothers. (Contains 1 table and 5 figures.)