Pakistan looks to partner with Zakat Foundation to fight poverty

ISLAMABAD – On October 17, 2026, Halil Demir, the founder and chief executive of the Zakat Foundation of America, arrived in Pakistan for a meeting at the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety. He was received by Federal Minister Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, and the discussion also included representatives from the Zakat Foundation’s Pakistan office and Nadir Gul Barech, chief executive of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

The gathering focused on identifying ways the two organisations could work together to reduce poverty and strengthen social protection for the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Participants explored joint projects aimed at assisting low‑income families, widows, orphaned children, people with disabilities and other at‑risk groups. They also examined potential cooperation in education, health services, women’s economic empowerment, skills training and job creation.

Disaster response and emergency relief were on the agenda, as were plans to improve access to basic health care and to help families achieve sustainable economic self‑reliance. Minister Shah reiterated the government’s dedication to poverty alleviation and highlighted the value of partnerships between international charitable groups and state agencies in expanding essential services. He emphasized that lasting poverty reduction requires more than cash assistance, stressing the importance of education, vocational training, employment opportunities and broader economic inclusion.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to enhance coordination and to explore new avenues for collaboration in social protection, poverty reduction and humanitarian assistance, while stressing the need for efficient use of resources and effective delivery of welfare programs.