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  • How Pakistani citizens are redefining global philanthropy

    How Pakistani citizens are redefining global philanthropy

    It wouldn’t be wrong if I say that philanthropy and Pakistan are synonymous. A look at Pakistan’s history reveals a tradition deeply rooted in the religious and cultural practices of giving—whether it’s zakat, sadqa, or community-driven initiatives like food drives, wedding fund contributions, or general hospitality. Figures like Abdus Sattar Edhi, who founded the Edhi Foundation and built the ‘world’s largest ambulance service network,’ embody this enduring spirit of generosity. Today, citizens across Pakistan are carrying this legacy forward globally by blending creativity, innovation, and modern technology into the age-old tradition of giving back. 

     

    The Rise of Technocratic Social Citizenship

    Philanthropy in Pakistan is changing thanks to globalisation, technology, and education. Unlike the older generation, who often kept their charity work low-key and low-tech, today’s youth want to see real and visible results. Take Seed Out, for example— helping fund small businesses for underprivileged entrepreneurs through online micro-donations.

     

    Fun Fact: According to a study conducted by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy, Pakistanis give around PKR 240 billion (more than $2 billion) annually to charity, even with the challenges in our national economy. This speaks volumes about the culture of philanthropy in the country. 

    Impacts of Technologised PhilanthropyModern tools have decentralised efforts and transcended borders, redefining how charity work is done. Fast Micro-Funding, online collaborations, and social media have made it easier for individuals and organisations to assist the disenfranchised among us. Here are some noteworthy examples of their impact. 

     

    • Charity Events: Pakistanis are finding new ways to blend style with social impact. One such example is Fashion for a Cause, a charity fashion show that showcases local, sustainable designs and also raises funds for education programs in underprivileged areas.

    • Social Enterprises: On the business side, social enterprises are becoming a big deal. Companies are integrating social responsibility into their business models, which is a win-win for both the business and the community. Take The Hunar Foundation, for example, which provides skill development to underprivileged women. The Citizens Foundation (TCF), which runs schools for underprivileged children, helps bridge the education gap in rural and urban communities.

    • Social Entrepreneurship: Individual social entrepreneurship is also on the rise, i.e. entrepreneurs like Pakistani-American physician Dr Anosh, head of Anosh Foundation and YOUR DIL, which has invested over $10 million in healthcare, education, and community development initiatives in more than 25 countries globally.

      Dr. Anosh Ahmed’s work exemplifies how a global perspective and localised action can intersect, demonstrating that impactful philanthropy knows no borders. Through his foundation, he combines healthcare expertise with a commitment to empowering marginalised communities worldwide.



    Rethinking the concept of charity through a modern lens

    Modern philanthropy is completely changing the way we think about giving back in Pakistan. It’s no longer just about quiet, private acts of charity or fulfilling religious duties like zakat and sadqa. Now, it’s becoming something exciting, collaborative, and, most importantly, inclusive—especially for younger generations.

    For years, charity was seen as a solemn, individual responsibility. But today’s youth are flipping the script. They’re turning giving back into something personal and fun. Think charity fashion shows by a 16-year-old Pakistani student, Eeman Syeda or music festivals like 4.0 Concert by Acts of Kindness Pakistan that blend entertainment with social causes. These aren’t your traditional fundraisers—they’re community-driven experiences that bring people together. Suddenly, philanthropy isn’t just about writing a check—it’s about making a real impact while connecting. 

    What’s really special is how this new wave of giving blends the old with the new. The core values—generosity, community, and religious obligation—are still there. But younger Pakistanis are adding their own twist: creativity, innovation, and a focus on transparency. 

    What can you do to be a part of this change?

    I believe that by supporting existing initiatives or becoming a catalyst for new projects leveraging the power of technology, new networks can keep the momentum going and drive real social change.

    Even the smallest act—donating a little, sharing a campaign, or volunteering your time—can add up to something huge.

    Together, we can create a future where our efforts don’t just make headlines but change lives for generations.

  • Journalists, politicians condemn campaign against Munizae Jahangir for ‘exposing blasphemy racket’

    Journalists, politicians condemn campaign against Munizae Jahangir for ‘exposing blasphemy racket’

    Journalists and politicians have condemned a social media campaign targeting journalist Munizae Jahangir after she invited to her TV show the family of a jailed person allegedly tricked into committing blasphemy.

    As per the details, Jahangir during her show on Monday (Feb 3) reported on a group allegedly involved in the “blasphemy business”. The group is accused of honey-trapping youngsters, making them commit blasphemy and extorting money from them.

    While Adviser to the Prime Minister on Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik was also present during the show and underscored the need to establish a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe false allegations of blasphemy, the programme did not sit well with a number of hardliners who have since taken to social media, accusing Jahangir of spreading false information.

    While at least one person has approached the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), demanding strict action against Jahangir and her talk show, a religiopolitical party has also held a protest demo outside the Lahore Press Club against the journalist and her channel.

    As Jahangir also receives threats of “dire consequences”, journalists, politicians and social media activists have condemned the campaign against her.

    Journalist Azaz Syed took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, writing, “Strongly condemn the trolling by mafia involved in the so-called ‘blasphemy business’ and stand in solidarity with well-respected journalist @MunizaeJahangir.”

    Senior journalist Matiullah Jan also posted in Jahangir’s favour, in response to which she wrote: “The attack on me is an attempt to detract attention from the court’s order of making a commission on the blasphemy business.”

    “Strongly condemn the campaign against courageous & bold @MunizaeJahangir whose @Aaj_Urdu show investigated the mindboggling attempt undertaken by multiple individuals reportedly to frame dozens of individuals as blasphemers & then blackmail them. Govt representative in the show reported that the govt will be setting up a committee to inquire into the reality of this reportedly dangerous racketeering. The govt must get bring out the reality of this reported racketeering & also ensure the physical security of @MunizaeJahangir,” wrote journalist Naseem Zehra.

    Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and ex-federal minister for information Fawad Chaudhry also commended Jahangir for standing tall despite the campaign against her.  “Like mother like daughter. Brave @MunizaeJahangir. Standing tall against extremists is not easy in Pakistan. Kudoos! (sic),” he said in a post on his official X account.

    It merits a mention that Pakistan, in recent years, has reported a significant spike in number of cases pertaining to blasphemy under Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). In some cases, false allegations of blasphemy also led to mob violence against the accused.

    Reports pertaining to “blasphemy business” first surfaced when Special Branch issued a report in this regard.

  • Posters in Srinagar thank Gen Asim Munir for supporting Kashmiris

    Posters in Srinagar thank Gen Asim Munir for supporting Kashmiris

    As Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day against Indian occupying forces’ atrocities in held Kashmir, posters commending army chief Gen Asim Munir have allegedly popped up in the troubled valley.

    According to the details, posts on social media showed flyers bearing a photograph of Gen Munir, thanking him for his support for Kashmiris.

    “Thank you Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir. We are grateful to you for sticking to your national stand regarding the occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir and supporting Kashmiris. Jammu Kashmir Democratic Youth Forum [sic],” the posters read.

    Another clip showed one such flyer stuck to what was claimed to be a signboard at the Srinagar Railway Station.

    While the posts have gone viral over the internet, Indian law enforcement has rubbished the reports. “Some handles on X and other platforms are falsely claiming anti-national posters in Kashmir. These baseless claims are being amplified without any verification. @cyberpolicekmr is monitoring, and necessary legal action is being taken,” read an official statement on X.

    Meanwhile, renowned journalist Hamid Mir has also taken to X to compare the claim to a similar one from three years ago when posters of former prime minister Imran Khan and then-Pakistani army chief Gen Bajwa appeared in the occupied territory.

    It may be noted that the posts come as Pakistan marks Kashmir Solidarity Day (KSD) on February 5 to express the country’s support and unity with the people of the troubled valley. Addressing a gathering to mark the day, Gen Munir on Wednesday said that Pakistan was ready to fight 10 wars if needed for Kashmir.

    “Pakistan has already fought three wars for Kashmir, and if 10 more wars are required, Pakistan will fight them,” the army chief said, adding that the country would not be intimidated by Indian military’s strength or advanced technological capabilities.

    “Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein. If the jugular vein is severed, death occurs. Kashmir is our life,” he emphasised. “Without any doubt, Kashmir will be free one day and become part of Pakistan – the destiny of the people of Kashmir.”

    Separately, in his message on KSD, reported by state-run Radio Pakistan on Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari said that this day reminds the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people.


    The President added that the United Nations (UN) should honour the promises made to the Kashmiris 78 years ago and support their struggle for their right to self-determination.

    The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) quoting PM Shehbaz Sharif as saying, “The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny”.

    “Today, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation.” 

  • Imran Khan did not write letter to anyone, reveals Adiala Jail superintendent

    Imran Khan did not write letter to anyone, reveals Adiala Jail superintendent

    Adiala Jail superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum has revealed that Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has not written a letter from jail to any one. 

    Speaking to Jang newspaper, Anjum stressed that if any detainee or convict writes a letter from jail, the prison administration reviews its contents. Imran Khan did not send any letter from jail to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir or the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, he said.

    On Monday, Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry claimed that the jailed former prime minister (PM) had written a six-point letter to General Syed Asim Munir.

    “Imran Khan, as party supremo and former premier, has written a six-point letter to the army chief, expressing solidarity with the military in its fight against terrorism, and acknowledging the sacrifices made by our soldiers,” Chaudhry had said while speaking to media outside Adiala Jail Rawalpindi.


    Chaudhry said Khan’s letter maintained that the entire nation was standing with its armed forces and also highlighted the issue of “fraudulent elections”, the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and 26th amendments besides the Al-Qadir Trust case verdict against him.

    Security sources on Tuesday had confirmed that the army chief didn’t receive any letter, Geo News reported.

    The jail superintendent explained that if any detainee wishes to write a letter, he/she must obtain pen and paper from the prison administration. The letter will then be submitted to the prison superintendent, who, under jail rules section 565, will read it to ensure that it does not contain any message related to incitement, terrorism, public disorder, or harm to anyone. Only then is the letter permitted to be sent to the recipient.

    Anjum stated that convicted detainees are allowed two meetings per week; however, if they write one letter a week, then prisoners are allowed only one meeting. Imran Khan, however, is granted three meetings per week. 

    Likewise, if a letter arrives for any detainee from outside the prison, it is also the responsibility of the prison superintendent to review and censor its contents, he further explained.

    The jail superintendent dismissed the claims that former First Lady Bushra Bibi was put in solitary confinement, noting that a prisoner was only sent to solitary confinement following the court orders.

  • Pakistan agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel, says Hamas spokesperson

    Pakistan agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel, says Hamas spokesperson

    Hamas spokesperson Dr. Khalid Al-Qadoumi said on Monday that Pakistan has agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners who were recently released from Israeli custody under a recent ceasefire agreement.

    “Initially, the number will be 15, but the timeline for their arrival in Pakistan has not yet been determined,” the Hamas spokesperson said while speaking to Independent Urdu in a telephonic conversation.

    However, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to Hamas’ claim.

    The ceasefire, which ended 15 months of war, began on January 15 and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.

    According to the deal, Hamas agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, while Israel committed to releasing 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 for every Israeli female soldier released by Hamas.

    During the telephonic interview, the Hamas spokesperson expressed gratitude to the leadership and people of Pakistan, stating, “This once again proves that Pakistan is a big brother and its soul is connected to Jerusalem… Pakistan and its people have always fulfilled the promises they made.”

    Qadoumi asserted that the Palestinians intending to travel to Pakistan will transit through Egypt and Turkey, though they have not yet left Egypt.

    “Several Islamic countries, including Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Algeria, have expressed willingness to host a group of Palestinian prisoners released under the Tufan al-Ahrar agreement. Discussions with these countries are currently ongoing,” he further claimed.

    The Palestinian news agency Quds Press had earlier reported that Pakistan was among four countries agreeing to host prisoners released under the Gaza ceasefire.

    The news agency, while citing a “senior Hamas official,” on Monday reported, “The [Hamas] movement is currently negotiating with several countries to secure approval for hosting the remaining released prisoners.”

    As per the media report, Hamas was in talks with Algeria and Indonesia regarding the acceptance of prisoners, while Tunisia has declined to do so.

    Since the onset of Israel’s military offensive on Gaza in October 2023, Pakistan has supplied humanitarian aid and launched a public donation fund to support the war-affected population in Gaza.

    The conflict has led to the devastating loss of life, with more than 47,000 Palestinians reportedly killed and widespread destruction in Gaza, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.

  • Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed throughout the country

    Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed throughout the country

    Pakistan is commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day (KSD) today (Wednesday) to express unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination as promised in United Nations’ resolutions. 

    The day is marked by a public holiday every year on February 5, with solidarity walks taking place across the country and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

    On August 5, 2019, India revoked Article 370 and 35A of its Constitution, stripping Kashmir of its special status, illegally annexing Jammu and Kashmir into its union.

    Pakistan continues to stand with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), emphasising its unwavering support for their struggle against Indian occupation and oppression.

    In his message on KSD, reported by state-run Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari said that this day reminds the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people.


    The President added that the United Nations (UN) should honour the promises made to the Kashmiris 78 years ago and support their struggle for their right to self-determination.


    The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) quoting PM Shehbaz Sharif as saying, “The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny”.

    “Today, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation.” 

    The statement further read that following India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, India’s efforts have been aimed at engineering demographic and political changes so that the Kashmiris transform into a disempowered community in their own land.

    Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad, services chiefs and the Pakistan armed forces also reaffirmed their unwavering support for the resilient people of IIOJK in their struggle for self-determination, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The military’s media wing statement said: “The Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn the ongoing grave violations of human rights in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions. These transgressions stand as a stark indictment of India’s blatant disregard for international law, humanitarian principles, and fundamental human rights.”

    “The Pakistan Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to the just cause of Kashmir and resolute in their duty to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brethren in their rightful pursuit of freedom and dignity.”

  • ‘Only you watch your show’: Faisal Ch slams anchor for claiming jailed Imran Khan watches his show

    ‘Only you watch your show’: Faisal Ch slams anchor for claiming jailed Imran Khan watches his show

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry has trolled journalist and analyst Hassan Ayub for claiming that the incarcerated former prime minister (PM) watches his show in jail.

    Chaudhry, while appearing on a private media outlet’s talk show, was reacting to guest analyst Ayub’s claim that Khan was enjoying a number of facilities in his Adiala Jail cell, one of which was access to 14 TV channels.

    “No one has had the kind of facilities Imran Khan is enjoying. He is getting the best food… dry fruit… he’s watching 14 channels. He also watches my channel… my programme,” Ayub was saying in response to a question by the host when Chaudhry cut him off to rubbish his claim.

    Slamming the journalist, Khan’s lawyer said it was a baseless claim as the jailed former premier did not watch his show. “He watches your show? No, he doesn’t. No one watches your show except for you,” Chaudhry said mockingly, drawing a rather annoyed reaction from Ayub.

    “Okay… I don’t even care if he doesn’t watch it,” the journalist replied, adding that he was only quoting what sources had told him.

    When asked by the host if Khan had given him any feedback about the show, Chaudhry said the jailed party founder didn’t even know who Ayub was. “He doesn’t even know his name.”

    The two then continued what seemed like an indirect argument, directing their statements towards the host. While Chaudhry kept on attempting to ridicule the journalist, Ayub said he didn’t care if Khan knew him or not.

    It merits a mention that this is not the first time that Khan’s alleged interest or lack thereof in Ayub’s reporting has made headlines.

    Last month, a court reporter claimed to have overheard former first lady Bushra Bibi telling Khan about two journalists who talked against him on the air, one of whom was Ayub.

    The reporter had claimed seeing Bushra pointing at Ayub and Rizwan Razi, both of whom were present at a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail for the verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case against Khan.

    The claims followed Judge Nasir Javed Rana’s sentencing of Khan and Bushra to 14 years and seven years in prison, respectively, besides imposing fines worth Rs1 million on the incarcerated PTI founder and Rs500,000 on the former first lady.

    Bushra was taken into custody from the courtroom at Adiala where Khan is already locked up in multiple cases against him.

  • Wasn’t sure if Imran Khan would serve jail time with bravery: Hamid Mir

    Wasn’t sure if Imran Khan would serve jail time with bravery: Hamid Mir

    Prominent journalist Hamid Mir claimed on Monday that he was unsure whether the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, would be able to serve his time in jail.

    Appearing on TV analyst Irshad Bhatti’s YouTube channel, Mir, while responding to the question of whether he had expected former premier Imran Khan to withstand imprisonment, said, “I was not sure whether Imran Khan would serve his time in jail bravely.”

    “Contrary to my expectation, Imran Khan was offered compromises multiple times, but he did not compromise,” he added, noting that one should acknowledge that Khan has bravely endured imprisonment.

    He also claimed that when Khan was sent to jail, he believed he would soon patch up with the establishment, given his good ties with intelligence agencies during his premiership.

    To a question about many politicians losing their patience while remaining confined in jail, the journalist opined that President Asif Ali Zardari courageously served his time in jail, adding that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and senior politician Javed Hashmi had also spent their time in jail with patience.

    Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) top brass Rana Sanaullah, while speaking to a private news outlet, had claimed, “One thing I must admit is that Khan is surviving in jail, which I did not expect from him.”

    On August 5, 2023, Imran Khan was arrested from his residence in Zaman Park shortly after his conviction in the Tosha Khana case and has been in jail since then on multiple charges.

    Currently, he is held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail under high security and with B-class facilities due to his status as a former premier. Earlier, he had been held in Attock Jail.

    The incarcerated Khan was recently convicted in the 190 million-pound case, commonly known as the Al Qadir Trust case.

    Accountability court judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the verdict, sentencing 14 and seven years of imprisonment to Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, respectively.

    The court also imposed fines on Imran and Bushra, amounting to Rs1 million and Rs500,000, respectively. Failure to pay the fines would result in an additional six months in jail for Imran and three months for Bushra, the verdict said.

    The case alleges that Imran and Bushra obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd for legalizing Rs50 billion that was identified and returned to the country by the United Kingdom (UK) during the previous PTI government.

  • Brothers busted for stealing sister’s gobar

    Brothers busted for stealing sister’s gobar

    A woman from Muzaffargarh in South Punjab has filed a case with local police, charging two of her brothers and five others with stealing cow dung from her. 

    Nagina Mai has alleged in the FIR that her brothers and other suspects stole a pile of cow dung that was lying outside her house in Rangpur on January 31. The pile was reportedly big enough to require a tractor trolley for the theft. 

    Cow dung is a valuable asset in rural areas of the subcontinent where it is not just used as manure but also as biofuel, insect repellent and, more recently, as an environmental cleanser. 


     
    Nagina Mai has said that the cow dung stolen from outside her home was worth Rs 35,000. 

    Rangpur police have said that they have arrested one suspect and recovered the stolen cow dung.

  • ‘Starlink will have to suspend services if PTA shuts down internet’

    ‘Starlink will have to suspend services if PTA shuts down internet’

    Journalist Azaz Syed claimed on Monday that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set conditions for Elon Musk’s satellite broadband company, Starlink, to operate in Pakistan.

    Speaking on the YouTube channel Talk SHOCK, Syed stated that the company has submitted an application to the PTA for approval to launch its internet services in the country.

    According to the journalist, one of the key conditions set by the PTA is that Starlink must comply with government-imposed internet shutdowns. This means that if the government shuts down the internet in the country, Starlink must also suspend its services in Pakistan.

    Musk, while responding to Pakistani social media activists on X (formerly Twitter) last month, confirmed that he was awaiting Islamabad’s approval to launch Starlink in Pakistan.

    Days after the response from the Starlink owner, Minister of State for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, stated in an interview with a private news outlet that Musk’s company had registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

    “[Following the approval] the space board authority is looking into various technical aspects, and we have communicated [about this] to Starlink,” she said.

    The journalist claimed that some had already brought the Starlink internet device into the country and had used it.

    “Starlink internet is not very expensive, as its routers are available for around $500 to $600,” he said.

    Starlink is a satellite internet constellation built by SpaceX to provide satellite internet access. The system aims to deliver high-speed broadband to areas where access has been unreliable, expensive, or unavailable. The network consists of thousands of small, mass-produced satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), working in tandem with ground transceivers.

    Reports cited a senior executive from an IT company who stated that they had been using Starlink’s services to maintain a reliable and uninterrupted connection for their overseas customers.

    According to the IT official, the company ordered all necessary equipment from the United Kingdom (UK), and although the service was more expensive, it eased their concerns about losing business.

    “Starlink’s standard residential package is GBP 79 [around PKR 27,000] while business packages start at GBP 110 [around PKR 37,000] per month. Our company has acquired their upgraded package, the monthly fee for which is about GBP 750 [over PKR 2.5 lacs]. Their rates are very high, but we are no longer worried about internet outages and disruption of business activities,” an IT official said.