Our Journey
Mr. Ali Zafar (Pride of Performance) established the Ali Zafar Foundation (AZF) in 2015 with a steadfast commitment to address the intermingled challenges of poverty, education, and inequality. AZF firmly believes that by holistically addressing these issues, we can empower marginalized communities and thus bring a positive change country-wide.
Since then, AZF has been striving to provide access to education for all, with a special focus on girls, alleviate poverty through financial initiatives, promote equality and inclusivity, and advocate for environmental sustainability to ensure a greener future for generations to come. We aim to contribute in creating equal opportunities for all types of marginalized communities to prosper. In this regard, AZF has supported organizations like Akhuwat, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, Sanj Nagar, Learning Hub, The Citizen Foundation, University of Punjab, and individuals seeking financial assistance for their education scholarships.
The AZF has adopted two government schools (boys and girls) providing education to children from marginalized communities. The Foundation is engaged in providing quality education facilities, infrastructure and services to foster the learning environment for those students for their better growth.
AZF recognizes the significance of sports as a vital component of holistic development. AZF aims to empower our youth to thrive not only academically but also athletically and provide financial support to national-level players across various sports.
AZF supported financially in establishing Kanwal Wellness Centre at the University of Home Economics to provide mental and nutritional health services to public while generating revenue for the university.
With unwavering dedication, the organization’s commitment was exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it swiftly provided aid and relief to the affected communities of artists, musicians and transgenders to help them in times of dire need. Furthermore, the AZF’ swift response through collaborative efforts during the devastating floods in 2022 helped 100 families in interior Sindh with tents, beddings, food, clothes, medicines etc.
As the journey continues, the AZF has aligned its expansion to help in achieving our targeted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Pakistan. We will spearhead our dedication towards quality education, and poverty reduction not only through humanitarian services but also by providing digital skills training, specifically to women for economic stability. Raising awareness and inculcating green practices among educational institutions, from schools to universities.
Why you should join the mission
By volunteering with us, you'll have the opportunity to contribute your time, skills, and passion to meaningful projects that address pressing issues like education, health, poverty, climate, inequality etc.Together we can make a brighter future for all.
Board of Governors
Ali Zafar
PRESIDENT
Pride of Performance (Arts/ Singing)
Ayesha Fazli
VICE PRESIDENT
Ms. Ayesha is an NLP Practitioner and Life Coach. She has a bachelor’s degree in TV, film, and theatre from BNU. She is certified by the American Board of NLP as a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Master Practitioner of Hypnotherapy, and Master Practitioner in Timeline Therapy®️ Training. She has also been trained by Aliyah Mohyeddin of Dynamic Communications. Her vision is to assist individuals in accessing their most authentic selves and realizing their full potential. By doing so, she aims to contribute to the collective growth and development of our society.
Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen
SECRETARY
Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen joined the University of Home Economics Lahore as its first Vice Chancellor in May 2019. She is the Founding Chair, the South Asia Chapter of USA based Association of Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T). Previously, she served as Chairperson (May 2009- May 2018) of the Dept. of Information Management, Chair of the Doctoral Program Coordination Committee of the Punjab University for 4 years, and Director, of External Linkages, University of the Punjab. She has rich academic, research, and administrative experience and extensive international exposure.
Mr. Abdullah Bin Farooq
MEMBER
Mr. Abdullah is a business graduate with a specialization in HRM and has earned multiple awards and recognitions for his academic and professional achievements. He has hands-on experience working with public, private, and multinational corporations as a consultant and team member. His expertise includes policy development, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Mr. Atif Hassan
MEMBER
Mr. Atif Hassan, Master’s in Social Work, has over 34 years of work experience in social development and social safeguards in multisectoral development projects financed by the United Nations, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, UNICEF, and other national and international entities. He has profound expertise in education, water and sanitation, water resource management, and agriculture sectors. Being part of an organization, he pioneered, practiced, and executed a low-cost sanitation-component-sharing model in Punjab. He contributed to the construction and operations of community-based rural water supply and sanitation schemes in South Punjab. He had been part of the UNICEF team that implemented the Universal Primary Education (UPE) project in Sialkot. A hundred percent enrollment, zero drop-outs, and provision of quality education for school-going children were ensured through community participation in UPE. Atif has been a board member of innovative no-profit organizations namely MUWAIN, Punjab Urban Resource Center (PURC), Siaban-Khuda Ki Basti, and Hopewell Foundation. There are a few publications in his name such as “Lahore Vision 2030 for Water, Sanitation, and Solid Waste”, “Three Generations, Two Genders, One World” and “Position Paper on Water and Sanitation Punjab”.
Dr. Ghazala Irfan
MEMBER
Dr. Ghazala is the Chairperson and Professor at the Department of Philosophy, School of Humanities, Forman Christian College – A Chartered University.She did her Post Doc. Fulbright Scholar at the State University of New York: Stony Brook. She has served as a member of the core faculty of LUMS at the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences from 2001 -2011, She has presented at international conferences and published articles in journals and books. She served as Vice-President and President Islamic Philosophical Association from 1982 onwards. Dr. Gazala has been President Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association since 2013 and is Secretary General of the All-Pakistan Music Conference.
Mr Muhammad Barakullah
MEMBER
Mr. Barakullah is a proficient small-sized real estate developer working specifically in farmhouse land development and possesses expertise honed over years of experience.Also worked As the CEO of "4 Walls" Tiles and Sanitary Ware in Lahore, leveraging eight years of import business background. Furthermore, he prioritizes fostering robust relationships with stakeholders, including investors and local communities. He is a compassionate person and supports poor communities in his best capacity.
Salma Butt
MEMBER
Ms. Salma Butt is a highly experienced youth development expert with over 13 years of experience. She holds a master's degree in Psychology and is an alumna of SIT, USA, and a UNU Jordan Fellow. Currently serving as a second-term member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, Ms. Butt is also a budding politician. Her success is attributed to her tireless dynamism and charismatic personality. She finds fulfillment in dedicating herself to serving marginalized communities, with a specific focus on minorities and women.
Sana Ali
MEMBER
Ms. Sana Ali, an MPhil graduate in Communication Studies, is dedicated to serving humanity and helping those in need.She actively volunteers and donates to various organizations that provide essential services to the less fortunate. For the last 9 years, she has been managing a food drive that feeds 200 people 2-3 times a week. Ms. Sana firmly believes that compassion and generosity have the power to make a positive impact on the world. She believes that by extending kindness and assistance to others, we can bring meaningful changes in the lives of people and communities.
