Alkhidmat Volunteers are its Frontline Soldiers: Munim Zafar Khan
Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, Munim Zafar Khan, highlighted that Alkhidmat’s volunteers are its frontline soldiers. He noted that whether during the 2005 earthquake or the floods of 2010 and 2022, Alkhidmat’s volunteers have always been at the forefront of serving the nation. He encouraged the youth to join Alkhidmat as volunteers and contribute to the service of the nation, emphasizing Alkhidmat’s tagline: “Khidmat-e-Khalq” (Service to Humanity). Speaking at the “Alkhidmat Youth Gathering 1.0,” held on International Volunteer Day under the Volunteer Program, Munim Zafar Khan announced that this program would now be an annual event. The gathering featured Executive Director Alkhidmat Karachi Rashid Qureshi, Director Volunteer Management Yusuf Mohiuddin, Director Community Services Qazi Syed Sadruddin, IT Consultant Shameem Rajani, Muhammad Abdul Rahim from Bank Alfalah, and Palestinian students MJ Noufal and DI Abi Uteima. Director Bano Qabil program Farooq Kamlani and Director Diagnostic Services Dr. Azimuddin were also present along with a significant number of Alkhidmat volunteers. Leadership lectures were delivered by Waqar Ali. The ceremony also recognized the efforts of outstanding volunteers with shields and certificates for their year-long contributions to Alkhidmat’s programs. Winners of the art competition titled “Brushes for Palestine” were awarded prizes, including two special awards for children with disabilities.
Key Highlights from Munim Zafar Khan’s Address
• Pakistan’s 65% youth population is its most valuable asset, but challenges such as lack of education, healthcare, and basic utilities have left many disillusioned.
• Alkhidmat has addressed these challenges by initiating the “Bano Qabil” program, providing free IT courses to empower youth with skills that can help them secure employment and improve their future.
• Pakistan’s IT exports are currently $3.2 billion, whereas Singapore, with a population smaller than a district of Karachi, has exports of $400 billion. He emphasized the need to boost the IT sector.
• Over the past two years, Alkhidmat has provided free IT courses to 50,000 students. Aptitude tests have been conducted across eight districts under the “Bano Qabil” program, which now offers 28 IT courses through 50 training centers nationwide, up from 20 initially.
• Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman’s vision to provide free IT skills to 1 million youth is being actively pursued.
Support for Palestine
Munim Zafar Khan shed light on the dire situation in Gaza, where more than 48,000 people, including children, women, and the elderly, have been martyred, and 100,000 injured. Alkhidmat has provided essential supplies through 23 consignments to date, including food, hygiene kits, tents, clothing, and medicines. This assistance continues to this day.
Contributions by Other Speakers
• Rashid Qureshi announced that the volunteer program would now be an annual event and urged university and college students to join Alkhidmat’s volunteer initiatives.
• Qazi Syed Sadruddin praised the dedication of Alkhidmat’s volunteers, particularly in aiding Palestinians during their time of crisis.
• Yusuf Mohiuddin called volunteers the backbone of Alkhidmat and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
• Muhammad Abdul Rahim of Bank Alfalah shared his experience of working with Alkhidmat during the 2022 floods, describing it as a memorable and impactful journey.
• Palestinian students MJ Noufal and DI Abi Uteima highlighted the grave situation in Palestine, calling on the global community to act justly to resolve the crisis. They also expressed gratitude to Alkhidmat and the people of
Pakistan. The event reinforced Alkhidmat’s commitment to youth empowerment, humanitarian aid, and addressing both national and international challenges.
