7 min read
Did you know that a study by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy revealed an incredible statistic?
It found that 84% of males and 83% of females in Pakistan actively participate in charity. This remarkable statistic reflects a deeply rooted culture of generosity and compassion that defines our society.
Helping others has always been a key part of progress in Pakistan, with many people working to support those in need. These selfless acts transform lives and inspire others to embrace the spirit of giving.
Let’s explore the incredible philanthropists in Pakistan who’ve shaped a better future for the country.
Abdul Sattar Edhi is arguably the most recognized philanthropist in Pakistan’s history. As the founder of the Edhi Foundation, he created the country's largest and most comprehensive ambulance service. Beyond ambulances, Edhi’s foundation runs homeless shelters, orphanages, and facilities for the elderly, all across Pakistan.
His philosophy of serving humanity without discrimination has made him a beloved figure worldwide. His contributions continue to touch the lives of countless individuals, making him a symbol of selflessness and compassion.
He received numerous national honors, including the Hilal-e-Imtiaz. His largest volunteer ambulance service was recognized by the Guinness World Records for its contributions.
After earning fame in cricket and politics, Imran Khan is also well-known for his philanthropy. He is the founder of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKCMH).
He has become a beacon of hope for those facing financial hardships while battling cancer. His hospital provides state-of-the-art treatment for cancer patients, with minimal or no cost to those who cannot afford it.
Beyond healthcare, Imran Khan’s philanthropic efforts extend to supporting needy families and enabling them to regain stability. His dedication to social causes has earned him a spot among Pakistan’s most revered philanthropists.
In 1992, under his leadership, Pakistan won its only Cricket World Cup. This remarkable achievement earned Khan the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
Zamurrad Khan is one of Pakistan's most prominent philanthropists, renowned for uplifting marginalized communities nationwide.
He is the visionary behind Pakistan Sweet Home, Asia’s largest registered orphanage. Through his efforts, he has transformed the lives of thousands of orphaned children. For his dedication to Pakistan Sweet Home and its orphans, he was honored with Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
His commitment to improving society extends far beyond the orphanage, focusing on healthcare and essential services. The Fatima Tuz Zahra Hospital is a testament to his unwavering dedication. It provides 24/7 healthcare services for patients. It also arranges blood donations for thalassemia patients, ensuring they receive life-saving support when needed.
Recognizing the importance of food security, Zamurrad Khan established Fatima Tuz Zahra Dasterkhuwan, serving meals 24/7. This initiative feeds those in need, reflecting his mission to eliminate hunger and fight poverty across Pakistan.
He also initiated the Safar-e-Akhirat project to support families during their most challenging times. This project provides graveyard facilities for those in need, reducing the financial burden on grieving families.
Zafar Abbas Jafferi, the founder of the JDC Foundation, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to serving the people of Pakistan. The JDC Foundation runs initiatives providing medical aid, food distribution, and educational support.
Zafar Abbas’s work transcends all social boundaries, providing aid to people from all walks of life. His leadership and commitment have made JDC one of Pakistan’s most trusted and respected humanitarian organizations. He was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his exceptional contributions to social work.
Ramzan Chhipa is the founder of the Chhipa Welfare Association. His tireless work has impacted the lives of countless people. His association is known for providing ambulance services, food, and relief in times of natural disasters.
Ramzan Chhipa’s selfless services have earned him the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, a prestigious civilian award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to humanity.
His association continues to provide essential services to Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations. He received the Pakistan Civil Award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, in recognition of his outstanding services.
Dr. Ruth Pfau, a German doctor and Catholic nun, came to Pakistan in 1961 to help treat leprosy patients. With limited resources and strong dedication, Dr. Pfau set up hospitals and clinics across the country.
She is known for her kindness and dedication to treating and helping leprosy patients, greatly improving healthcare in Pakistan. Her legacy continues to inspire healthcare workers and humanitarian efforts to this day.
Ruth Pfau was bestowed with several prestigious honors, including the Hilal-i-Pakistan and Hilal-e-Imtiaz. She was also given the Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam and Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam for her outstanding services.
Dr. Adeebul Hasan Rizvi is a well-known Pakistani doctor and philanthropist. He is famous for his work in kidney transplant surgery. He founded the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), a leading center for kidney care in Pakistan.
His institute has provided life-saving kidney treatments to thousands of people who couldn’t get this care otherwise. His work has helped improve the quality of life for many, particularly those suffering from kidney-related diseases.
Maulana Bashir Farooqi, founder of Saylani Welfare Trust, has devoted his life to helping Pakistan’s poor. His organization provides food, medical care, education, and housing to those in need.
During the pandemic, Saylani Welfare Trust fed over two million people, demonstrating the organization’s immense reach and commitment. Maulana Farooqi focuses on helping people spiritually and materially, making Saylani Welfare Trust one of Pakistan's most respected organizations.
Ansar Burney is a well-known human rights activist who has helped many oppressed people for years. He was once Pakistan's Federal Minister for Human Rights and worked to protect prisoners, the poor, and marginalized groups.
Burney fights human trafficking and helps free wrongly imprisoned people, making him a top human rights advocate. His dedication to helping vulnerable people inspires others to seek justice. He was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and later, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2012.
Dr. Amjad Saqib is the founder of the Akhuwat Foundation. The organization focuses on reducing poverty through interest-free loans and social support programs.
After seeing the struggles of poverty at the Punjab Rural Support Program, Dr. Saqib decided to take action. He founded Akhuwat to provide people with the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty.
The foundation’s initiatives have transformed the lives of countless individuals. They have helped people start businesses, pursue education, and build better futures. Dr. Saqib was honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his outstanding contributions to the social sector.
Shahid Afridi, a famous cricketer from Pakistan, is known not only for his cricket skills but also for his charity work. Through the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF), Afridi works to improve healthcare, education, and living conditions for deprived communities across Pakistan.
His foundation works on problems like water shortage, hunger, and lack of healthcare, helping those in need. His work has made a real difference, and his dedication to charity has earned respect in Pakistan and abroad.
Shehzad Roy, a renowned Pakistani singer and philanthropist, has made significant contributions to social causes. His main focus has been in the field of education. Roy is the founder and president of Zindagi Trust, a non-governmental charitable organization. The trust is committed to improving the quality of education for poor communities across Pakistan.
Through Zindagi Trust, Roy has worked tirelessly to address the challenges faced by Pakistan’s education system. His efforts focus on ensuring that children in marginalized areas have access to quality schooling.
Ardeshir Cowasjee was a renowned social activist and newspaper columnist. He is widely recognized as one of the leading philanthropists in Pakistan of the 21st century.
He worked hard to support the rights of the underprivileged in Pakistan. Through his platform, he highlighted social issues and pushed for improvements in the lives of marginalized communities.
Through his columns in Dawn, Cowasjee spoke up about the unfair treatment of marginalized communities, raising awareness and calling for change. His work promoting human rights and advocating for the voiceless in Pakistan has made him a respected figure.
Tanweer Ahmed is a prominent businessman and philanthropist who has used his wealth to support charitable causes. He owns the largest cricket complex in Houston, Texas, and founded a successful chain of food businesses.
His charitable initiatives focus on healthcare, education, and poverty reduction, particularly in Pakistan. His dedication to improving society through business and charity makes him a key figure in Pakistan's philanthropy.
Mushtaq Chhapra, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, has dedicated his life to improving the lives of Pakistan’s underprivileged.
As the founder of The Citizens Foundation, Patients Aid Foundation, and The Kidney Centre, Mushtaq has worked relentlessly to provide quality education and healthcare to the underserved. His organizations continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands, making him one of the country’s most influential philanthropists.
In conclusion, philanthropists in Pakistan have dedicated their time, resources, and energy to transforming lives. Their unwavering commitment has created a lasting impact on communities across Pakistan. They have demonstrated true wealth lies in giving back by championing healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Their tireless work inspires countless others to embrace the power of kindness and generosity. As Pakistan moves forward, the work of these amazing individuals will continue to inspire kindness and help create a better future.
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ayesha Khan (Community Development)
Dr. Ayesha Khan is a dedicated social worker with over 15 years of experience in child welfare and community development. As a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, she has worked tirelessly to create safe and nurturing environments for orphans and underprivileged youth. Dr. Khan holds a PhD in Social Work and has specialized in developing sustainable programs that support the holistic development of children. Through her work at Pakistan Sweet Home, she aims to raise awareness and inspire action through her insightful and compassionate writing.
Dr. Ayesha Khan is a dedicated social worker with over 15 years of experience in child welfare and community development. As a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, she has worked tirelessly to create safe and nurturing environments for orphans and underprivileged youth. Dr. Khan holds a PhD in Social Work and has specialized in developing sustainable programs that support the holistic development of children. Through her work at Pakistan Sweet Home, she aims to raise awareness and inspire action through her insightful and compassionate writing.