Islamabad: Pakistan is home to around 4.6 million orphan children, nearly two percent of the country’s total population, but fewer than 150,000 are currently supported by government and charitable organisations, leaving the vast majority without access to proper education, healthcare and a decent standard of living, welfare representatives say.
The situation was highlighted during a Türkiye–Pakistan Friendship Iftar hosted in Islamabad by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in collaboration with Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, where more than 200 orphan children gathered for a special Ramadan event featuring games, gifts and an Iftar meal.
Representatives of the host organisations said that while a small number of orphaned children receive support through welfare programmes, the overwhelming majority continue to struggle without access to quality education, healthcare, nutritious food and safe living conditions.
Vice President of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan Arshad Malik said that although Pakistan has around 4.6 million orphan children, less than one percent are being cared for through government or non government welfare programmes.
He said most orphaned children remain outside organised support systems and urged society to take responsibility for helping vulnerable children living around them.
Arshad Malik said caring for orphans is a responsibility strongly emphasised in Islam, noting that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was himself an orphan and understood the hardships faced by children who lose their parents.
He urged individuals and communities to support orphaned children so they can receive proper education, healthcare and opportunities for a better future.
During the event, orphan children under the care of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Alkhidmat Foundation enjoyed the Iftar meal and participated in games and activities organised as part of the celebration of World Orphans Day, while gift packages were distributed among them.
The Türkiye–Pakistan Friendship Iftar was attended by Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Pakistan Buket Kop, and Chairperson of the Pakistan–Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group Shaista Pervaiz.
Representatives of Turkish institutions operating in Pakistan, international organisations, civil society groups, public sector institutions and university students also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, TİKA Islamabad Programme Coordinator Saliha Tuna emphasised the importance of strong and reliable institutions to ensure the safety, education and well-being of vulnerable children.
She said TİKA supports orphaned children in many regions of the world, particularly in areas affected by war and humanitarian crises.
Saliha Tuna said the organisation is supporting millions of orphan children in Gaza, Syria and several African countries, while also working with partners in Pakistan to support vulnerable children.
She added that TİKA also offers educational opportunities for orphaned children from across the Islamic world, including Pakistan, to help them build a secure and productive future.
Tuna thanked Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Alkhidmat Foundation for their partnership in initiatives aimed at supporting orphaned children and strengthening humanitarian cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan.
Participants at the event said sustained support from both government institutions and charitable organisations would be essential to ensure that orphaned children in Pakistan receive the education, healthcare and protection necessary for their development.
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