ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Sahara Welfare Foundation Norway, Hafiz Aslam Haq, met Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmed Shah at his office in Islamabad to discuss ongoing humanitarian initiatives, poverty reduction, access to clean drinking water, employment opportunities, orphan care and the role of overseas Pakistanis in supporting underprivileged communities.
During the meeting, the federal minister appreciated the welfare activities being carried out by Sahara Welfare Foundation Norway in Pakistan. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and other countries towards improving the lives of disadvantaged communities in their homeland.
He particularly appreciated the foundation’s initiatives in South Punjab, including clean drinking water projects and employment-generation programmes, describing them as important steps towards poverty reduction and sustainable community development.
The minister also commended Hafiz Aslam Haq for establishing a foster home for orphaned children and providing them with quality education, proper upbringing, protection and long-term support. He emphasised that investing in the education, development and well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children was essential to building a confident, independent and productive generation.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to address poverty, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah said the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety was implementing various initiatives to connect deserving families with financial assistance, education, nutrition, vocational training and employment opportunities.
He referred to programmes including the Benazir Income Support Programme, Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Benazir Nashonuma Programme, Benazir Hunarmand Programme, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. He said the objective was not limited to providing immediate financial assistance but also to empowering vulnerable families to overcome poverty, achieve economic independence and secure dignified livelihoods.
Sahara Welfare Foundation Norway Trustee Ms Filza Bhatti was also present at the meeting.
On the occasion, Group Leader of Project Maidaan, Rehan Tahir, extended special appreciation to Hafiz Aslam Haq and the Pakistani community in Norway for their support and hospitality during the international tours of Pakistan’s Street Child Football Team, particularly its visits to Norway.
Rehan Tahir said the love and commitment of overseas Pakistanis towards their homeland was reflected in their efforts to provide opportunities to disadvantaged children from Pakistan on international platforms.
He appreciated the way the Pakistani community in Norway, particularly Hafiz Aslam Haq, welcomed children from underprivileged backgrounds with dignity, warmth and generosity, adding that their support would always be remembered.
He further stated that Project Maidaan was working to empower street-connected and underprivileged children through sports by providing opportunities for education, healthcare, protection, recognition and a brighter future. He added that the support of overseas Pakistanis played an important role in building these children’s confidence and promoting a positive image of Pakistan internationally.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Federal Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah presented an honorary shield to Hafiz Aslam Haq in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian and social welfare services, contributions towards disadvantaged communities in Pakistan and continued support for orphaned and vulnerable children.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation between the government, welfare organisations and overseas Pakistani communities to combat poverty, promote human development and create dignified opportunities for deserving families.