About Us
Our Journey
Foundation and Vision
Mr. Ali Zafar (Pride of Performance) established the Ali Zafar Foundation (AZF) in 2015 steadfastly committed to addressing the intermingled challenges of poverty, education, and inequality. AZF firmly believes that holistically addressing these issues can empower marginalized communities and thus bring a positive change country-wide.
Commitment to Education, Poverty Alleviation, and Equality
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 the Punjab, and individuals seeking financial assistance for their education scholarships.
Adoption of Schools and Educational Development
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.
Promoting Sports for Holistic Development
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.
Promoting Good Health and Well-being
In line with its commitment to Good Health and Well-being, AZF financially supported the establishment of the Kanwal Wellness Centre at the University of Home Economics. This initiative aims to provide mental and nutritional health services to the public, ensuring accessible and quality care for overall well-being. Additionally, the center contributes to the university’s sustainability by generating revenue to support its operations.
Emergency Relief Efforts During Crises
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, AZF’s swift response through collaborative efforts during the devastating floods in 2022 helped 100 families in interior Sindh with tents, bedding, food, clothes, medicines, etc.
Future Expansion and Sustainable Development Goals
As the journey continues, 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.
Message from The Founder
I am filled with pride and gratitude for our progress. Thanks to your unwavering support, we are making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Since the start of this year, we’ve seen significant growth in our initiatives, expanding outreach and improving access to clean water, education, and healthcare. The statistics highlight our achievements, but behind each number is a story—a life touched, a future made brighter.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to scaling our efforts, deepening partnerships, and expanding our reach to underserved regions. Together, we can continue to drive the positive change we believe in.
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 is the Vice Chancellor of Government College Women University Faisalabad and Founding Vice Chancellor of University of Home Economics Lahore (2019-2023). She has served as the Founding Chair of the South Asia Chapter, of Association of Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), USA. 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 academic leadership experience and extensive international exposure in the field of Education.
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, and UNICEF. He had been part of the UNICEF team that implemented the Universal Primary Education (UPE) project in Sialkot. . Atif has been a Board member of 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, “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)
Prof. Dr. Ghazala is the Chairperson at the Department of Philosophy, School of Humanities, Forman Christian College, Lahore. She completed her postdoctoral research as a Fulbright Scholar at the State University of New York.From 2001 to 2011, she served as a core faculty member at the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences at LUMS. Since 1982, she has been actively involved with the Islamic Philosophical Association, as President.
Dr. Ghazala has been the President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association since 2013 and currently serves as the Secretary General of the All-Pakistan Music Conference.
Mr. Shahid Gul
(MEMBER)
Mr. Shahid Mahmood Gul is an accomplished academician with over three decades of experience in the field of philosophy. He served as the Chairperson of the Department of Philosophy at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. His dedication to continuous learning led him to pursue further education, including a Summer Fellowship in Bioethics at Yale University, United States.
A strong advocate of voluntarism, he actively participates in various relief efforts. Shahid Gul is also a poet and an accomplished author who enjoys reading, music, and Sufism.
He is a valued member of the Alumni Association of the Bioethics Center at Yale University, the Pakistan Philosophical Congress, and the Board of Directors of Burgad, a social sector NGO
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 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.