SAF and GCT Launch Campaign to Educate Over 33,000 Out-of-School Children in Pakistan

The campaign was formally inaugurated at a

grand fundraising dinner in Karachi, hosted

by prominent businessman Farhan Hanif

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) and Green Crescent Trust (GCT) have jointly launched a nationwide campaign to provide quality school education to more than 33,000 out-of-school children from underprivileged communities across Pakistan.

The campaign was formally inaugurated at a grand fundraising dinner in Karachi, hosted and supported by prominent businessman and philanthropist Farhan Hanif. The event drew leading philanthropists, industrialists, and business leaders who pledged generous support for the cause.

Shahid Afridi Urges Support for Girls’ Education

Renowned cricketer and SAF Chairman Shahid Afridi, who served as the chief guest, emphasized the critical importance of educating girls from deprived backgrounds.

“Empowering daughters of poor families through education is essential for Pakistan’s progress. These girls will become mothers and leaders of the future — their education shapes society,” Afridi said.

Afridi highlighted that SAF has been partnering with GCT for the past eight years, delivering education in remote and marginalised areas. With over 25 million Pakistani children out of school, Afridi called for urgent action and increased outreach by NGOs and donors.

He also thanked Pakistan’s security agencies for facilitating SAF’s charitable operations in difficult regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The SAF Chairman announced plans to expand the foundation’s impact by building housing for the homeless in Sindh and Balochistan — where 350 homes have already been constructed — and by continuing mobile health units for underserved populations.

Zahid Saeed: Education is the Key to Economic Uplift

Zahid Saeed, TI, CEO of Green Crescent Trust, said that Pakistan’s long-term economic growth depends on educating every child.

“The solution to Pakistan’s economic crisis lies in quality education for all. No country can progress without an educated population,” he stated.

Saeed shared that with the support of partners like SAF, GCT has built a network of 170 charitable schools across Sindh, currently educating 32,800 children. The Trust aims to expand this number to 250 schools and enrol 100,000 children by 2030.

He announced that GCT’s mission now includes technology education, skills development, and vocational training, alongside formal schooling. Several new state-of-the-art school buildings are under construction and scheduled for inauguration before December 2025.

The Trust also operates in Balochistan and Punjab, having extended beyond Sindh with the opening of its first school in Winder (Hub District) three years ago.

GCT Ensures Transparency and Accountability

Zahid Saeed assured donors that GCT is audited by top global and local firms, Shariah-compliant, tax-exempt, PCP-certified, and holds all official NOCs from the Government of Pakistan.

“Our transparent operations and impactful results have built deep trust among our donors,” he added.

Generous Support from Karachi’s Business Community

The fundraising segment was hosted by popular comedian and TV host Shafaat Ali, who praised the exceptional generosity of Karachi’s business leaders. He extended special thanks to Junaid Naqi, President of the Korangi Association of Trade & Industry, and Farhan Hanif for their instrumental role in organising the event.

Gen (Retd) Amjad Khattak, adviser to GCT, also appreciated the tireless efforts of Shahid Afridi, Zahid Saeed, and all donors contributing to the cause of education.

Zahid Saeed concluded by inviting more NGOs, celebrities, and donors to collaborate with GCT in its mission to educate every out-of-school child in Pakistan.