International Volunteers’ Day (IVD) 2019

The Day is celebrated every year on 5th of December to recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers to peace and development across the world. Dr. Suleman Shaikh, the renowned social leader of Sindh, who presided over the 21st International Volunteers’ Day celebrated under the Women Development Foundation Pakistan on 5th December 2019, said that the volunteer activities of Karachi are a reflection of the progressive society which helps to relieve the suffering of the society and the absence of such activities warms the market of terror, fortunately. Pakistani people are passionate about humanity and ready to volunteer their time and our government believes that the government is committed to forming a welfare society. Effective participation of social service providers must be ensured in up-to-date public welfare schemes. Explaining the programs aims and objectives, the Program Chief Organizer Abdul Rahim Moosvi said that keeping with the traditions of previous years, this year, the purpose of celebrating International Volunteers’ Day on December 5th is to pay tribute to the selfless volunteers working in the society and highlighting their work, especially the new generation in the society is to be followed by them so that a prosperous society can be formed in the country. He demanded that the government should be suitable for the welfare of volunteers and social workers. Measures should be taken and organizations working for the social sector should be effective and efficient.

Sabiha Shah, Chief Executive Officer of the Women Development Foundation Pakistan, welcomed the guests and said that the Women Development Foundation Pakistan underlined the importance of volunteer activities under Pakistan and the ongoing programs to foster a new generation of volunteer thinking. Their activities need to be highlighted, and for the welfare of senior volunteers, such plans should be prepared in consultation with them, which will benefit not only the senior volunteers but also benefit the new generation. Highlighting the importance of volunteer role in the development of communities, renowned educationist and poet Ms. Zeenat Lakhani said that the need was to integrate the social sector studies into the educational curriculum with the modern needs of tomorrow. Famous banker Mohammed Reza Poonawala Head of Customer Service of Meezan Bank highlighted the role of the corporate sector in supporting and strengthening volunteers and social organizations. Only then can this sector set up an integrated program for them. Speaking at the closing words of the program, Vice President (WDFP) Abida Memon thanked the visiting guests, and paid tribute to the Shield recipients, who called on them to identify the silent service members around them.

Chief Guest of the event Dr. Suleman Sheikh presented shield of honors and Ajraks to Dr. Mumtaz Khaskheli, Dr. Syed Nawaz ul Huda, Gul Hassan Kalmati, Imran Ahmed Shah, Mohammad Yousuf Memon, Suresh Kumar Wadhwani, Rasool Bux Baloch, Uzma Noorani, Qurban Mangi, Syed Khurshid, Mohammad Salim Wakani and a young volunteer Zuniar Khan for their selfless services for the communities. Maria Taqdees and Basit Ali moderated the event and thanked all the guests.