Yousuf Raza Gillani (former Prime minister of Pakistan) celebrated Independence Day 2024 with the children of Pakistan Sweet Home, a place close to his heart.
His connection to this noble cause began in 2009 during the Swat operations. While there with Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), he encountered a child who had lost his parents.
Moved by the child’s plight, Gillani entrusted his care to Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz). This gesture ignited the spark that inspired Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) to establish Pakistan Sweet Home, a haven for orphaned children across the nation.
On the 77th Independence Day, Pakistan Sweet Home became an energetic tapestry of celebration and unity. The event was graced by the presence of MNAs, MPAs, sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and the loving mothers of our children, all joining together in a heartfelt commemoration.
The ceremony unfolded with a soulful Tilawat and a deeply moving Naat, setting a reverent tone for the day. Our fairies and angels, dressed in green and white, waved their flags with joyous abandon, the atmosphere was electric with pride and happiness.
For 11 years, this day has been celebrated with an unwavering zeal that has become a cherished tradition at Pakistan Sweet Home. Each year, the anticipation builds as our children and staff prepare for this special occasion, infusing it with vibrant displays of patriotism and spirited performances. The collective pride and joy of the day create a sense of unity and shared identity that resonates deeply within the hearts of all present.
The highlight of the celebration was a proud march with a massive 200 by 20 feet flag. Led by the children alongside Yousuf Raza Gillani and Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), this display of unity and national pride brought everyone together in a powerful symbol of solidarity.
The day was made even more memorable with the cutting of the cake on the 14th of August. Yousuf Raza Gillani, the chief guest of the event, cut the cake with our children and Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz). This moment added a sweet touch to the day’s celebrations and left a delightful mark in the diary of Sweet Home.
Yousuf Raza Gillani shared his thoughts,
“14 years ago, one child was handed over to Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), whose picture still hangs on the wall in my home. From that one child, this noble cause was born, becoming an asset for our country. Children with a father like Zamurrad Khan can never be orphaned.
An orphan is not just a child without parents but one without education. Zamurrad Khan, you are doing double duty, being both a father and an educator. Thanks to you, we now see these children becoming doctors and engineers, which is a great asset for the country.”
Each Independence Day at Pakistan Sweet Home, we reaffirm our mission to empower our children with the freedom to shape their own futures. Aligned with our vision of nurturing confident, capable individuals, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, whether they aspire to be doctors, engineers, artists, or entrepreneurs.
Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) is dedicated to supporting their ambitions by providing the guidance and resources they need to succeed, reflecting our commitment to helping them become the best versions of themselves.
This empowerment allows them to explore their passions and make informed decisions about their careers. We ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their chosen fields. We want our children to be free from all those labels attached to orphans in Pakistan.
By nurturing their dreams and providing the necessary support, we empower them to live their lives fully and help others, just as their Papa Jani, Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), does. You can also participate in this noble cause by sponsoring education or volunteering.
At the end, Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) expressed his gratitude, saying,
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and especially to our chief guest, Mr. Yousuf Raza Gillani. He played a pivotal role in my journey to becoming the MD of Baitul Maal, where my foremost mission was to serve orphans.
This was the beginning of our journey with these angels and fairies. By the grace of Allah Almighty, the children I brought to Sweet Home from the Swat operations are now studying at some of the top universities in Pakistan.
I never called them orphans because they call me 'Papa Jani.' My angels and fairies will, In shaa Allah, serve this nation.
I named this place Pakistan Sweet Home to connect my children to their homeland. My children will carry forward the work I couldn’t complete. I always remind them, 'You don’t need to be a great man, but a great human being, living to serve the community and Pakistan.'”
