Country Information
Founded: 1947
Land Area: 803,940 Square Kilometers (almost twice the size of California)
Climate: hot, dry desert with temperate region in northwest and arctic in the north
Agricultural Land Usability: 24%
Natural Hazards: frequent earthquakes which are more severe toward the north and west, flooding along the Indus River after the heavy summer rains
Environmental issues: water pollution from raw sewage, industrial waste and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification
The People
Population: 165,803,560
Infant Mortality Rate: 70 deaths / 1000 births
Life Expectancy: 63 years
Major Diseases: high risk bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, Typhoid fever, dengue fever, malaria, cutaneous leishmaniasis, rabies
Religions: 97% Muslim, 3% Christian and Hindu
Literacy Rate: 49% (35% of women)
Unemployment rate: 6.6% plus substantial underemployment
Population below the UN-established Poverty Line: 32% as of 2001
Special Conditions
Pakistan is heavily involved in the Kashmir dispute.
Afghan refugees number nearly one million.
There are still nearly all of the 3 million displaced Pakistanis from the earthquake in 2005.
Identifying the Need
A majority of people do not have access to clean, usable water.
The earthquake in 2005 has devastated entire areas of the country, destroyed entire towns and villages and has displaced nearly 3 million people to this day.
There is a dire need for reconstruction and rehabilitation of Pakistanis following this tragedy.
Education, particularly for women, is an urgent and exceptional need.
How The Zakat Foundation Has Responded
Pakistan contains one of the largest Muslim populations in the world and is also one of the poorest economies. We established a strong partnership with the Khubaib Foundation and have a solid liaison with them who works as our office manager for all Pakistan projects. Our programs in Pakistan have gone beyond those of immediate care and relief and have gone into true long-term development projects that will change the face of the country. This is our ultimate goal for every country that we work; to improve the lives of those we touch as well as those whom they touch.
Ramadan Programs
Since 2001 our Ramadan Iftars and food distribution have helped the poorest communities in Pakistan with hot meals and much needed supplies. The programs also include Eid gift distributions for orphans and destitute children.
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Udhiya / Qurbani Distribution
Since 2002 the Pakistanis have been able to enjoy our Udhiya / Qurbani distributions. We have increased in numbers every year and in 2006 reached the amazing figure of 860 shares of meat. For a large number of the beneficiaries, Eid ul-Adha and Ramadan are the only times that meat is even available for them to eat. It is because of this expectation that The Zakat Foundation has struggled to increase the benefit each year through our programs.
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Backpack Distribution
For many in Pakistan, the prospect of school is difficult. Supplies are barely available at all levels; so for orphans, refugees and destitute children, the backpack distribution done by Zakat Foundation brings as much joy as a toy or bicycle. These children want to learn and are overjoyed to have the tools to get the most out of their educational opportunities. The parents are happy as well because they know that their children will have a better education and a better chance at success than many of them were given.
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Orphan Sponsorship
As long as our Orphan program has been in effect, we have sponsored children in Pakistan. These Pakistani orphans are greatly increased following the earthquake of 2005 and we are always in need of sponsors. See how you can sponsor a child today.
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Rumi School
On the western border of Pakistan, near Afghanistan is the Rumi International School.
This facility provides excellent education for hundreds of Pakistani and Afghani children.
With the opening of Rumi school came another point of distribution for all of our other programs. So in this way the entire region is affected by our work.
We strongly urge donors to give to Rumi School and make sure that education thrives for these children in Pakistan.
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Earthquake Relief – Emergency Relief – 2005 and Ongoing
In October of 2005 a devastating earthquake struck Pakistan. Entire cities were demolished, homes destroyed and families ripped apart. From the first rumble of the ground until the last person is able to live independently; The Zakat Foundation is there.
Our team was already in place for the Ramadan Iftar and food package distribution. Immediately we shifted into emergency and disaster relief. Our tent villages were cited as among the best in recovery efforts and the Pakistani government along with the United Nations praised our work.
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Please read more about our work during the Pakistan Earthquake of 2005
View pictures of our efforts.
Watch the Video from Pakistan which highlights our Earthquake recovery.
Ashiana – Ongoing development project
“Our Home” is a place for orphans, destitute women and widows to live, learn and rebuild their lives following the earthquake. Ashiana provides housing, medical care, classrooms, vocational training and a Mosque for worship. It is a complete village for these victims of the massive natural disaster. We are working on expanding this project to be able to care for even more people and need your support.
Please visit the main page for Ashiana and learn more about how you can help.
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Sharing Eid with the Christian Minority
December of 2006 was a milestone in Pakistani history. It was the first time in the history of this country that a Muslim charitable organization reached out to the Christian minority. Children and widows were given new clothes, shoes, school supplies and food as an extension of our Eid celebration. This important project was coupled with a seminar on interfaith cooperation and coexistence.
Please read the full report Here.
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