In a heartfelt gesture during the holy month of Ramazan, President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a special Iftar dinner at the President’s House in Islamabad on Saturday, dedicated to orphans under the care of the Pakistan Orphan Care Forum. The event brought together a significant number of orphan boys and girls, creating an atmosphere of warmth and solidarity as the nation observed this meaningful occasion.
This gathering coincided with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) annual observance of Orphans Day, which is celebrated across the Islamic world during Ramazan. The day serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by orphaned children and underscores the collective responsibility to provide them with comprehensive care, education, and protection. It also highlights the need for increased social cohesion and support, especially for vulnerable children living in conflict-affected regions.
Addressing the young attendees, President Zardari emphasized the vital role children play as the future of Pakistan. He warmly welcomed the orphans to the President’s House, assuring them that this place was their home as well. In a significant commitment, he promised that these children would have access to modern educational facilities, including colleges and universities, with scholarships allocated to support their academic pursuits permanently. This pledge aims to empower orphans through education, enabling them to build a brighter future.
In his remarks, the President also expressed his prayers for peace and stability both within Pakistan and the broader region. He reiterated his dedication to serving the people of the country and working towards a better and more secure environment for all citizens. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the government’s focus on social welfare and child protection.
The ceremony was also attended by notable figures, including Air Marshal (retd) Farooq Habib, Chairman of the Pakistan Orphan Care Forum, who expressed gratitude to the President for his support and encouragement. He highlighted the collective duty society holds in nurturing the dreams and aspirations of orphaned children. The forum currently cares for over 100,000 orphan children across Pakistan, striving to provide them with essential resources and opportunities for growth.
To conclude the event on a joyful note, President Zardari personally distributed gifts to the children, including modern tablets, symbolizing a step towards bridging the digital divide and enhancing their learning experiences. This thoughtful gesture was warmly received, reflecting the administration’s commitment to integrating technology into education for vulnerable groups.
Overall, the Iftar dinner not only celebrated the spirit of Ramazan but also reinforced the importance of social responsibility and compassion towards orphans, encouraging the nation to unite in supporting these young lives who represent hope and resilience.
