Renowned cricketer and social activist Shahid Afridi emphasized the crucial need for educating underprivileged girls for Pakistan’s development. Addressing a joint fundraising dinner by the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) and Green Crescent Trust (GCT) in Karachi, Afridi highlighted the importance of the initiative, which aims to provide education to over 33,000 out-of-school youth. Hosted with the support of industrialist Farhan Hanif, the event saw numerous philanthropists and business personalities pledge their commitment to the cause.
SAF Chairman Afridi appealed to attendees to support educational programs for girls from impoverished families, stressing that neglecting their education hinders national progress. “Educated girls become empowered mothers, positively impacting society,” he stated, citing his personal understanding as a father of daughters. SAF, in partnership with GCT, has worked for eight years to provide education to marginalized communities. Afridi emphasized the need to address Pakistan’s 25 million out-of-school children aged 5-16 and encouraged expanding educational initiatives in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He acknowledged the Pakistan Army’s security support for SAF’s efforts in these areas. He further announced SAF’s plans to expand housing beyond the existing 350 homes and introduce mobile health units for displaced persons in Sindh and Balochistan. He expressed deep gratitude to philanthropists supporting the joint SAF-GCT education project.
GCT CEO Zahid Saeed stated that education offers a lasting solution to Pakistan’s economic woes. For 31 years, GCT, alongside partners like SAF, has provided education in underserved areas of Sindh, operating 170 schools for 32,800 children. GCT aims to expand to 250 schools by 2030, reaching 100,000 students. Three years ago, GCT established its first school outside Sindh in Winder, Balochistan, and intends to broaden its reach to other areas of Balochistan and Punjab.
TV host Shafaat Ali led the fundraising, acknowledging participants’ contributions, particularly Korangi Association of Trade and Industry President Junaid Naqi and Farhan Hanif. GCT Advisor Retired General Amjad Khattak commended the efforts of Saeed, Afridi, and the partners.
Saeed invited collaborations with GCT, like SAF’s partnership, to facilitate educational transformation. He detailed GCT’s focus on incorporating IT, technical training, and vocational courses into their curriculum. He also mentioned the ongoing construction of several modern GCT schools in remote areas, slated for completion by December 2025. Saeed emphasized GCT’s adherence to Shariah principles, tax-exempt status, PCP certification, and consistent auditing by national and international firms, assuring donors of transparency and accountability.