One of the leading welfare organizations in Pakistan, Al-Khidmat Foundation Sindh laid the foundation of an orphanage ‘Aagosh Centre’ in Hala in Matiari district yesterday evening. Dr. Syed Tabassum Jafri, President, Al-khidmat Foundation, Sindh, was the chief guest in the foundation stone-laying ceremony. Dr. Meraj Ul Huda Siddiqui, Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami, was also present on the occasion.

The ‘Aagosh’ orphanage is being established under the Orphan Care Programme of the Al-khidmat Foundation in its nationwide drive to provide a much-needed shelter for orphaned children across the country. At Aagosh, a total of 200 children will be provided shelter, along with food, education, health and the rest of the foster care facilities necessary for the upbringing of children. Spread over 4 acres of land, the construction of the orphanage will cost Rs 60 million and will be completed within a two-year period.

Currently, a total of 609 children are residing at ‘Aagosh Centres’ (orphanages) run by the Al-khidmat Foundation in such different cities as Attock, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Peshawar, Mansehra and Sheikhupura. These centres can cater to some 790 children in total. With the capacity of catering to up to 820 children, ‘Aagosh Centres’ are going to be inaugurated soon in Karachi, Murree, Gujranwala and Dir. –Ends

Photo Caption: Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Meraj Ul Huda Siddiqui laying the foundation of Aagosh orphanage.