Al-Khidmat Foundation

Al-Khidmat (اﻟﺧدﻣﺖ) Foundation is the biggest and most organised network providing humanitarian services across Pakistan. It is registered with the Government of Pakistan as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) under the Societies Act XXI of 1860.^[1] As of February 2016, its president is Muhammad Abdul Shakoor,.^[2] Its sole aim is service to humanity without discrimination of religion, race, cast, sect, language, or political affiliation.^[3] The Al-Khidmat Foundation has also helped people affected by natural calamities like earthquakes and floods, Water crises, and in the settling of displaced persons and refugees nationally and internationally.

History

Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan is a non-profit and independent organization. It is wholly dedicated to humanitarian services. Though Al-Khidmat Foundation was officially registered in 1990 as an NGO, it has an extensive record of public service, going as far back as the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Providing shelter, feeding and treating refugees, and rescuing victims has always been the hallmark of Al-Khidmat Foundation.

Al-Khidmat workers and volunteers continue to work tirelessly for providing relief to affected people throughout the country. Their dedicated services include Rescue & Relief, Rehabilitation and Development, Education, Healthcare, Community Services, Microfinance, and of course, Care for Orphans.

Mission statement Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan is working as an independent, non-governmental, non-profit and charitable organization. It works under its own Memorandum of Articles of Association and leadership. It has no affiliation with any regional ethnic or political organization of Pakistan or anywhere in the world. Al-Khidmat is exclusively engaged and supports charitable activities and programs. It neither seeks political positions nor does it support any political causes or activities. Whatever financial supports, it provides to any other organization at home or abroad it is purely for charitable purposes, particularly supporting education, health-care and other related relief services. Al-Khidmat is dedicated to the service of humanity in all parts of the world without any discrimination of creed, religion and political association."

The Al-Khidmat Foundation took its present name and form in 1992 and was registered with the Government of Pakistan as an NGO under the Societies ACT XXI of 1860.^[1]

Projects

The philosophy of the projects undertaken by the Al-Khidmat Foundation is to serve humanity in whatever way possible. Ongoing projects include education for girls and boys in remote areas of Pakistan. Approximately 1,200 schools exist all over the country. Al-Khidmat has also supported ladies' vocational centers, adult literacy, women's empowerment projects, hospitals, refugee care programs, prisoners' welfare, renovation of Nangarhar University in Afghanistan, mobile dispensaries, orphan sponsorship projects, provision of clean drinking water in remote areas(by providing tube wells and water pumps), subsidized vaccination against Hepatitis B, emergency relief in the form of dry rations, tents, blankets, building materials, medicines, medical aid, Ramadan gifts, Eid packages, Christmas gifts, Qurbani programs, free veterinary camps at remote locations, ambulance services and blood banks.^[1]

Women wing

A women's wing of the Al-Khidmat Foundation, the Al-Khidmat Women Trust, was established in 1980.^[4] As of May 2011, it has centers in six cities in Pakistan.^[5]

Relief operations during 2005 earthquake

Alongside other NGOs, the Al-Khidmat Foundation participated in relief operations for the victims of the 2005 earthquake. Al-Khidmat is reported to have provided over 10,000 shelters and makeshift homes for those affected.^[6] Millions people of Azad Kashmir affected in Earth Quack, in this bad situation when people of Azad Kashmir alive, youngsters of Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan & Kashmir, supported them, and develop their life in this bad situation.

Relief operations during 2009 NWFP operation

With the start of military operations against militants in the northern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (the North-West Frontier Province – NWFP), over 2.5 million people were left homeless. The area was evacuated by security forces at only minutes' notice. These homeless Pakistanis, from Swat, Deer, Boner, the Malakand Agency, Bajaur and elsewhere, needed transport for evacuation, food, temporary shelter, healthcare and other emergency needs. Al-Khidmat, with its teams of volunteers, established many camps for these internally displaced persons (IDPs). Hundreds of vehicles were provided for them. With the support of doctors of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA), several emergency medical centers were established. An ambulance service was also started for sick IDPs. A countrywide donation campaign was started to collect funds for the work. The relief operation is still ongoing until there is no IDP left homeless.

Relief operations during the 2010 floods

Trucks with relief goods heading for areas affected by floods

With a large force of volunteers, the Al-Khidmat Foundation provided emergency assistance to the areas affected by the 2010 Pakistan floods.^[7] A large number of Al-Khidmat volunteers, vehicles and ambulances took part in rescue operations in different areas, saving numerous lives and helping to evacuate stranded populations from flooded places. Over 22,000 volunteers took part in the relief efforts,^[7] establishing approximately 1000 relief camps and around 700 medical camps in the affected areas.

Japanese Government donation

In the wake of 2010 floods in Pakistan, the Japanese Government provided valuable financial support to the Al-Khidmat Foundation to support the people of Charsadda who were affected by the flood.^[8]

Departments

AlKhidmat Foundation Pakistan is currently working in seven different areas, which are 1. Disaster Management 2. Health Services 3. Education 4. Clean Water 5. Orphan Care 6. Mawakhat Program 7. Community Services 8.Emergency Relif

AlKhidmat Aghosh

AlKhidmat currently operates six orphan care centers known as AlKhidmat Aghosh Homes with more than 600 enrolled orphans. Aghosh Homes are located at Peshawar, Mansehra, Attock, Bagh, Rawalakot and Rawalpindi. Two more Aghosh Care Centers started their operation from April 2016 at Sheikhupura and Murree. One other Aghosh Home is currently under construction at Karachi and will start its operation from the next year. Aghosh Murree will be the largest Aghosh Care Center under Alkhidmat Foundation with capacity of more than 600 orphans from around the country and will provide education from level six to level 12. It will be started initially with around 250 students. Alkhidmat is also building a Agosh Project in Lower Dir which is under construction now.

References