ISLAMABAD: Muslim Charities Forum (MCF), an umbrella organization for Muslim-led international NGOs based in the UK, has stressed the need to enhance cooperation between the member organizations, civil society and the public sector to achieve a bright and sustainable future for Pakistan.
MCF organized a special session on Thursday attended by State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Pir Muhammad Amin-ul-Hasnat, Farzana Yaqoob, Minister of Social Welfare and Women’s Development AJK, representatives from the government, international development and humanitarian agencies and key stakeholders including the United Nations also attended the session.
A delegation comprising Sir Stephen Bubb, Chief Executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organizations (ACEVO), Jehangir Malik, Director, Islamic Relief UK and Othman Moqbel Chief Executive of Human Appeal International visited the projects of MCF members including Islamic Relief, Muslim Hands, Muslim Aid, Orphans in Need and READ Foundation.
The MCF delegation gave their reflections on the visit as well as the international context in which MCF member organisations operate in Pakistan and other parts of the world.
Stephen was keen to see the good work of Muslim charities and how they support their beneficiaries lead more dignified lives and foster a sense of community and interfaith harmony across Pakistan.
Stephen was in Pakistan to see first-hand the good work of Muslim charities and how they support their beneficiaries to lead more dignified lives and foster a sense of community and interfaith harmony across Pakistan.
Commenting, Stephen Bubb highlighted the importance of civil society in ensuring sustainable development for marginalised communities and commended the development and humanitarian work of MCF member organisations in Pakistan.
He said, “We cannot have an internationally cooperative future without caring about the work of civil society – charities and campaign groups – on the ground around the world”.
“The success of the international effort against extremism and terrorism will depend on civil society outreach efforts such as this. I am proud to be reaching out to organisations in Pakistan to try and help find solutions to problems that affect all of us. I hope my trip will inspire others to do the same”, Stephen added.
He said that civil society organisations often struggle to meet acute demand for humanitarian support in Pakistan, despite their excellent efforts.
Stephen urged the government, civil society and particularly MCF members to continue to cooperate in their work for disadvantaged communities.
He said that it is particularly important to continue helping to empower women, a vital step to building a more progressive country. The Pakistan government’s continued support is critical to the success of humanitarian efforts and I hope it will continue long in to the future.
On his return on the UK, Sir Stephen will be holding an event with civil society and media representatives, highlighting his experiences in Pakistan. DNA