The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) and the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives in healthcare, education, provision of clean drinking water, and vocational training for young people. The MoU was signed by KATI Senior Vice President and Chairman of its Standing Committee, Zahid Hameed, and Shahid Afridi Foundation CEO Zafar Malik, in the presence of KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput and Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi.
The signing ceremony was attended by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Chief Guest Shahid Khan Afridi, Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Gabol, Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali, former presidents and chairmen Junaid Naqi, Sheikh Fazal Jaleel and Sheikh Manzar Alam, Leather Association Chairman Danish Aman, Tee Square CEO Zainab Hameed, as well as a large number of industrialists and KATI members.
On the occasion, members of the business community donated more than Rs30 million to the Shahid Afridi Foundation to support its welfare initiatives.
Addressing the ceremony, renowned Pakistani cricketer and legend Shahid Afridi said that Pakistan and its people had given him immense love, respect and honour, for which he remained deeply grateful. He said he had a particularly strong connection with Karachi because the city possessed tremendous talent and potential. He stressed the need to ensure timely access to education, healthcare, clean drinking water, sports facilities and support for deserving people, particularly in underprivileged areas.
Afridi said his journey in philanthropy began with a hospital project following the death of his father and had gradually expanded to remote and underserved areas across Pakistan. He said serving humanity was a means of seeking the pleasure of Allah Almighty, adding that after receiving so much from the country and its people, it was now time to give back by using his abilities to serve society.
Afridi also praised KATI for its role in the national economy, describing the business and industrial community as a backbone of economic activity.
Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said Shahid Afridi had brought immense pride to Pakistan and earned widespread affection from the nation. He said KATI and Karachi’s business community stood shoulder to shoulder with Afridi in his mission of serving humanity.
Rajput announced that KATI would initially assume responsibility for the educational expenses of 30 children attending Tee Square schools operated by the Shahid Afridi Foundation, with the initiative to be gradually expanded. He appreciated the Foundation’s practical efforts in providing healthcare, education, clean drinking water and sports opportunities in underprivileged communities.
The KATI president stressed the need to establish a strong and effective partnership between the industrial community and the Foundation so that meaningful projects could be launched in education, healthcare, clean water, youth development and other social sectors, with benefits reaching people directly. He said Pakistan’s traders and industrialists were actively contributing to social development and the national agenda.
“While the government must fulfil its responsibilities, the state, industry and social organisations must work together towards a common objective to accelerate the country’s social and economic development,” he said.
KATI Senior Vice President and Standing Committee Chairman Zahid Hameed said the social and welfare initiatives undertaken by the Shahid Afridi Foundation were both commendable and worthy of emulation. He said serving humanity was not the responsibility of the government or charitable organisations alone, but a collective responsibility shared by society as a whole.
“There are vast opportunities for cooperation between KATI and the Shahid Afridi Foundation,” Hameed said, adding that joint initiatives could be launched in education, healthcare, skills development, sports, clean water and youth welfare in Karachi’s industrial areas and adjoining communities.
He said the industrial community possessed resources, experience and administrative expertise, while the Shahid Afridi Foundation had extensive experience in welfare work and public outreach, and the influence of a personality capable of inspiring the younger generation. “If these two strengths come together, we can move beyond traditional charity and develop an effective and sustainable model focused on empowerment,” Hameed said.
He added that KATI wanted to transform the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into Corporate Social Partnership, with greater emphasis on long-term collaboration and measurable social impact. “On behalf of KATI, I assure you that we are ready to support transparent, practical and sustainable welfare projects whose benefits reach the public directly, particularly our younger generation,” he said.
Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Gabol said Shahid Afridi was a national hero and highlighted the immense talent of young people in Lyari. He said a site for a cricket stadium was already available in Lyari, while local youth possessed considerable talent and potential but lacked proper guidance and training.
Gabol said he would request Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to have the Lyari cricket stadium operated under the Shahid Afridi Foundation, enabling young people to receive professional training and opportunities to develop their talent and potentially bring further honour to Pakistan.
Former KATI President Junaid Naqi, Shahid Afridi Foundation CEO Zafar Malik and Tee Square CEO Zainab Hameed also expressed their views at the ceremony.
