Pakistan is one of the most charitable countries in the world, and following organisations are a testament to the generosity of its citizens. Whether they are providing education, healthcare, or disaster relief, these institutions are working hard to improve the lives of those in need.
Akhuwat Foundation
It is a non-profit company established in 2001 and registered with SECP. Akhuwat aims to alleviate poverty by creating a bond of solidarity between the affluent and the marginalised. Their goal is to develop and sustain a social system based on mutual support. They extend a helping hand to the poverty-stricken by providing interest-free loans so they can start a business and become self-reliant. Other than having almost 1,000 branches in almost all cities of Pakistan to conduct its operations of distributing Qarz-e-Hasna – interest-free loans.
Akhuwat also uses places of worships, like mosques and churches to disburse credit. The primary tool being used by Akhuwat Foundation is micro-credit in a Shariah-compliant manner, that is they give interest-free small loans to the unbanked, underprivileged families. It is important to mention that the recovery rate is an astounding 99.93%, something unheard of in conventional banking.
The Citizens’ Foundation (TCF)
Set up in 1995, TCF has now become one of Pakistan’s leading organisations in the field of formal education. So far, TCF has established almost 1,500 purpose-built school units nationwide. They also have a dedicated Teacher Training Centre in Karachi for the ongoing training of its faculty and provides logistical support to all its teachers. TCF is ranked amongst the top five scoring organisations certified by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) and has received high non-profit organisation (NPO) governance rating of GR-8 by JCR-VIS Credit Rating Co. Limited.
Agha Khan Foundation
Established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, not-for-profit organisation that focuses on international development. On the other hand, the AKF combines financial, technical, and human resources to tackle the issues faced by the poorest and marginalised communities in the world. Highlighting the importance of investing in human potential, it particularly focuses on women, working towards expanding opportunities and building up the quality of life.
Transparent Hands Trust
Transparent Hands Trust is Pakistan’s first online crowdfunding platform in the healthcare sector that aims to provide the best medical and surgical care to thousands of underprivileged individuals. To support the financial needs of patients, the organisation connects donors worldwide through its web platform, while ensuring complete transparency in the funding process.
By uploading hospital bills on the portal, donors can verify that their contribution directly goes towards the surgery of a needy patient. Donors can also receive regular updates on the patient’s progress. The organisation plans to expand its healthcare services across Pakistan and tap into the education sector in the future.
Edhi Foundation
Pakistan’s Edhi Foundation is a globally renowned charity organisation, distinguished by its non-commercial, non-political, and non-communal service offerings in the field of social welfare assistance. The organisation operates round the clock, every day of the week, and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, class, or creed.
The Edhi Foundation has received numerous accolades and shields from national and international governmental and non-governmental bodies, which recognise its outstanding contributions towards serving humanity. It has the largest ambulance fleet in the world, and Edhi Centres are established in all provinces of Pakistan, as well as in the USA, Australia, North America, and the United Kingdom.
Chhipa Welfare Association
Founded by Pakistani philanthropist Ramzan Chhipa in 2007, the Chhipa Welfare Association has rapidly emerged as one of the most successful charitable organisations in the country. It provides affordable or free food to individuals with low income and also offers ambulance services. While the organisation’s head office is situated in Karachi, it has several offices throughout the nation. The Chhipa Welfare Association is committed to serving every individual regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.
Ansar Burney Trust
The Ansar Burney Trust in Pakistan is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organisation that is devoted to combating all forms of injustices, cruel and inhuman treatment, child abuse, and violence against women, as well as other human and civil rights violations.
Led by Pakistani human rights activist Ansar Burney, the organisation aims to raise awareness, offer free legal advice and assistance when required, and provide humanitarian aid when possible. The Prisoners Aid Society has been created to bring about reforms in police stations, jails, and mental hospitals, as well as to assist those who have been detained illegally and unlawfully. The organisation has a functional office in the UK, in addition to its headquarters in Pakistan.
Al-Khidmat Foundation
The Al-Khidmat Foundation, headquartered in Lahore, offers a diverse range of humanitarian services across Pakistan and beyond. It has been engaged in flood and disaster relief operations for numerous years, while also handling schools and orphanages, implementing clean water projects, supporting prisoners, and distributing aid to the needy.
Al-Khidmat Foundation has established centres in all provinces of Pakistan. Recently, it is the only organisation that has been entrusted to deliver aid from Pakistan to Palestine in collaboration with IHH Turkey.
The Fatimid Foundation
The Fatimid Foundation is a charitable organisation that focuses on giving assistance to those suffering from blood diseases in Pakistan. They specialise in safe blood transfusions and offer a monthly supply of healthy blood and blood products to thousands of patients, particularly children, who have been diagnosed with diseases such as thalassemia and haemophilia.
Additionally, the organisation is equipped to provide emergency blood in times of a large-scale crisis.
JDC Foundation
JDC is a relatively new NGO in Pakistan, however, due to its exemplary services, it has quickly grown into a large organisation, its services include health centres, education, vocational training, disaster management, orphanages, free food distribution, transport and morgue services.