Halil Demir, founder and chief executive of the Zakat Foundation of America, visited the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety in Islamabad on October 17, 2026. There he met Federal Minister Syed Imran Ahmad Shah to explore ways of working together on poverty reduction.
Demir arrived from the United States with his delegation and was warmly received by the minister. Representatives of Zakat Foundation Pakistan and Nadir Gul Barech, chief executive of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), also took part in the meeting.
Joint initiatives for vulnerable families
The two sides discussed joint programmes to support deserving families, widows, orphaned children, persons with disabilities and other at-risk groups. Participants also looked at collaboration in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, skills training and job creation.
Talks also covered relief for people hit by natural disasters and emergencies, better access to basic health services, and help for families to become economically self-reliant over time.
Minister stresses partnerships and self-reliance
Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said the government remains committed to alleviating poverty and protecting vulnerable sections of society. He observed that effective partnerships between international charities and state institutions could expand access to essential services for those in need.
The minister stressed that financial aid alone is not enough to achieve lasting poverty reduction. He called for giving deserving individuals access to education, skills, employment and economic opportunities.
Coordination with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
Participants also discussed possible cooperation between the Zakat Foundation and the PPAF, with an emphasis on using resources efficiently and carrying out welfare programmes for underprivileged people.
At the close of the meeting, both sides stressed the need for better coordination and new avenues of future collaboration in social protection, poverty alleviation and humanitarian welfare.
