Pakistan association rolls out plans to help needy families

dubai — Marking the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, the Pakistan Association Dubai on Monday launched a host of initiatives in line with the Year of Giving initiative, launched by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The highlight of the initiatives was a unique Ramadan food package distribution which is done every year by PAD, however, this year it was done in a different way.

Briefing the media, Dr Faisal Ikram, general secretary of PAD, said: “This year instead of giving food packets to the needy, we have tied up with LuLu Hypermarket to give out a voucher worth Dh300 to any needy family who comes to us. This card enables them to buy any food items (listed with LuLu) they want from any LuLu branch in the UAE as per their needs. The voucher is valid at all LuLu outlets and can be used a multiple number of times until the whole amount is used.”

On Monday, over 250 families collected the Ramadan food package voucher from PAD’s office

This year instead of giving food packets to the needy, we have tied up with LuLu Hypermarket to give out a voucher worth Dh300 to any family who comes to us.”

Dr Faisal Ikram,

general secretary, PAD

in Oud Metha. “We will be giving about 1,200 vouchers to the needy families this year,” Dr Faisel added.

Elaborating on the other initiatives, Dr Faisel said with the support of the Pakistani consulate, PAD will work on a prisoner release programme to secure the release of prisoners who have been jailed for minor offences and help them return to their families back home. We also visit them in jail and give them Eid gifts and assist them in any which way.”

Also, like every year, PAD’s medical wing will organise a health awareness camp on June 9 at the Majid Al Futtaim for workers. “Not only do we give them free health checks but also free Iftar and gifts for Eid. Over 1,000 labourers benefit from this Ramadan medical camp,” he added.

PAD has also collaborated with Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi’s foundation on a daily Iftar distribution in the Pakistan Education Academy mosque in Oud Metha. Everyday 250 Iftar packs are given out at this mosque. Another initiative that will be held on June15-16, 2017 is the mosque cleaning activity, when the community members come together to cleanup a mosque at the Pakistan Education Academy.

Lastly, PAD’s Pakistan Youth Forum will also be organising a Shukran initiative to honour workers on June 22, 2017 at a workers’ accommodation, where Eid gifts will be distributed.

“All these initiatives are supported by the Community Development Authority, Dubai and inspired by Sheikh Khalifa’s Year of Giving initiative, Dr Faisel added.

saman@khlaeejtimes.com