Sardar Masood Khan commends HOPE Pakistan for its humanitarian efforts
WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (SABAH): “HOPE Pakistan has become a beacon of hope for thousands in underserved areas of the country,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan.
“We greatly commend Dr. Muniba Agboatwalla, Founder & Chairperson of HOPE Pakistan, and her team for their services to the people of Pakistan,” he said. Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks during his e-meeting with Dr. Muniba Agboatwalla Founder and Chairperson of HOPE Pakistan and its Director Ms. Ambreen Siddiqui.
He said that Pakistani philanthropic and humanitarian organizations in the United States projected the soft image of Pakistan with their selfless service to humanity. “These services strengthen the bonds of humanity and are instrumental in connecting the peoples of the two countries,” he added.
The meeting was part of Embassy initiative to connect with US-based philanthropic and humanitarian organizations, manned by Pak-US nationals, and to create synergies for greater output and impact.
HOPE Pakistan has established a robust network of philanthropists and donors in the United States and provides humanitarian assistance in Pakistan through interventions in health, education, and emergency relief.
Briefing the Ambassador about the activities of HOPE, Dr. Muniba Agboatwalla said that the organization was working closely with UNICEF and Governments of Sindh and Punjab to provide free of cost humanitarian services especially in rural areas. Dr. Muniba said that HOPE was especially focusing on children suffering malnourishment and had catered to 900,000 children. Besides, it had also provided free treatment to over 600,000 patients focusing on maternal and child healthcare. The organization has established three formal and 200 informal school for catering to education needs of underserved areas of the country.
Director HOPE Ms. Ambreen Siddiqui added that the organization was also working closely with US donors to provide clean drinking water and vocational training. HOPE provided relief goods to 150,000 flood affectees and supplied food-ration to over 30,000 people during Ramdhan. Ms. Siddiqui said that 80% of schools funded by HOPE were serving the girls of Pakistan in various parts of the country including far-flung areas. Appreciating the contributions being made by HOPE, Ambassador Masood Khan assured every possible support to the organization in its noble mission.
“NUSTIANs make us proud in Pakistan. They are making us proud here in the United States,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States.
“Pakistani professionals are not only making their mark in their respective fields but they are also proving themselves as the most abiding link between Pakistan and the United States,” he said. “We are proud of the contributions of our diaspora in the United States as well as in the country of their origin,” he added. Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks during an e-meeting with the leadership of NUSTIAN-US.
NUSTIAN-US is a network of around 1200 US-based alumni of National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan (NUST) which is actively engaged in charitable, educational, scientific and literary activities.
Briefing the Ambassador about the history and achievements of the organization, President NUSTIAN Dr. Azeem Sarwar said that the organization comprised 07 regional and 17 local chapters. NUSTIAN members were serving in more than 180 renowned US companies and over 20 universities across the states. He said that the organization supported NUST alumni in job search, resume making and referrals.
Dr. Sarwar said that the organization had raised $1.57 million since 2019 which were being spent to support various activities including mentorship and provision of financial resources to the deserving.
NUSTIAN has created more than 26 Scholarship Endowment seats in various academic institutions, Dr. Azeem Sarwar said. He said that 13 Endowment seats were created this year and more than 100 students were provided with financial assistance.
Dr. Azeem Sarwar said that NUSTIAN raised nearly 100,000 within six weeks for flood relief activities. He informed the Ambassador that funds were sent to NUST and the donation were sent to four villages in South Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh and KPK. He also briefed the Ambassador about various other activities including Summer Research Internship Program, Graduate Coaching, ‘Adopt a Scholar’ Program, Alumni engagement and database, streamlining of job search and funds collection endeavours.
The Ambassador appreciated the efforts of NUSTIAN in creating a strong network of Pakistani professionals which he observed would be helpful in creating greater impact both in the United States as well as in Pakistan. The Ambassador said that the Embassy was actively engaged in connecting professional organizations of Pakistani Americans who were serving the country in various walks of life. The Ambassador expressed best wishes for NUSTIAN and assured full support of the Embassy in its mission.