Bank Alfalah, a leading commercial Bank in Pakistan, reported the comprehensive highlights of its over two years of commitment to the flood-affected communities, which commenced in 2022 after the devastating floods impacted one-third of Pakistan. To date, Bank Alfalah has disbursed approximately PKR 2 billion through this programme, providing a sustainable way forward to over 1 million beneficiaries and positioning itself as one of the most significant corporate contributors to fostering a sustainable future for flood-impacted communities.
Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of Bank Alfalah and the board, who graciously approved the donation of $10 million to devastating floods that hit Pakistan in 2022, the Bank had embarked on a two-pronged strategy to redevelop communities in a sustainable, equitable, and financially inclusive manner. This initiative addressed immediate needs and now provides a comprehensive framework for long-term rehabilitation.
Over the last two years, with the road-map of a two-pronged strategy, the Bank has joined forces with over 25 esteemed partners receiving the Bank’s disbursement to address critical sectors such as health and emergency care, affordable housing, accessibility to education, and sustainable livelihoods.
Phase 1 focused on immediate relief with PKR 345 million starting from 2022 and going till 2024, partnering with reliable and trusted non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across Pakistan. These partnerships facilitated the rescue and assistance of flood-impacted communities in hard-hit locations with ration distribution, medical camps, winter kits, and water filtration devices.
The Bank embarked on phase 2 in the second half of 2023 and followed it through in 2024 with a disbursement of PKR 1,815 million, focusing on rehabilitation and rebuilding lives. This phase encompassed several key areas: sustainable housing, healthcare, education, and livelihood support.
A. Healthcare Provision worth PKR 633.5 million in 2023-2024
A partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation progressed in 2024 with the funding of PKR 200 million. Aga Khan Foundation is working to accelerate agricultural livelihood and increase household’s food security and resilience. Apart from nutrition, it also improves the community’s access to health services through health service delivery platforms and mobile outreach services.
Funding of PKR 150 million was made to the Patient Aid Foundation, focusing on aiding the underserved in Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi, which has inundated flood-impacted communities travelling to Karachi from interiors. To date, over 26,064 patients have been treated. Child Life Foundation, with PKR 100 million, is also at the forefront of treating patients and has catered to 118,000 patients in flood-impacted areas through telemedicine.
The latest project with Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT) aims to build 10 medical units for initial eye screening of individuals in the flood-impacted areas of Sindh and Balochistan. A PKR 50 million project will check the patients for developing eye infections and diseases and will refer severe cases to the main hospital.
The Bank has funded multiple other projects in the past 3 years worth PKR 133.5 million with Vital Pakistan, Mustafa Trust, Alamgir Welfare Trust, HANDS Pakistan, Taraquee Foundation and Indus Hospital and Health Network.
B. Sustainable Housing Provision and reviving livelihood worth PKR 376.8 million in 2023-2024
Bank Alfalah has partnered with reputable organisations such as Karachi Relief Trust, Bait-us-salam, Sahil Welfare Trust and Shahid Afridi Foundation to address the housing needs of flood-affected communities and promote climate resilience with the funding of PKR 271.5 million, including PKR 10 million to Alamgir Welfare Trust for livelihood projects. The partner NGOs inaugurated housing communities in Balochistan and Sindh during the year. These partner NGOs have completed over 1066 houses in
flood-impacted communities to benefit approximately 7,000 individuals.
In the aftermath of the devastating floods, Bank Alfalah demonstrated its commitment to its colleagues by disbursing over PKR 105.3 million to assist 515 colleagues who suffered significant losses to their homes, assets, and personal belongings.
C. Education Support Provision worth PKR 305 million in 2023-2024
In alignment with its dedication to education, Bank Alfalah has undertaken several initiatives to support flood-affected communities.
The Bank partnered with The Citizen Foundation (TCF) to rebuild and restore educational infrastructure in flood-impacted areas. TCF is constructing 4 Primary Schools for 720 students in Nawabshah, Sohbatpur, and Tando Bhago, with Bank Alfalah contributing PKR 196 million. This support also includes the establishment of 200 Agahi Centers, water filter plants, and solar panels, along with additional operational support, with a further contribution of PKR 30 million.
Recognising the importance of inclusive education, Bank Alfalah partnered with the Family Educational Services Foundation (Deaf Reach) to establish three satellite schools in Sindh and Balochistan
flood-impacted areas. This initiative aims to provide education to children in remote areas with limited access, with less than 5% currently having access to schooling. Bank Alfalah has pledged PKR 24 million for this project, demonstrating its commitment to rebuilding lives and infrastructure in
flood-affected communities.
Furthermore, Bank Alfalah has partnered with Orange Tree Foundation, contributing PKR 25 million to fund 56 undergraduate students’ tuition fees in flood-impacted areas.
Finally, the Bank donated PKR 30 million to Green Crescent Trust to support the construction of a state-of-the-art school in the underserved area of Khoski, Badin.
D. Interest-Free Loans Provision of PKR 250 million in 2023-2024 with Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance (AIM)
Bank Alfalah offered interest-free rehabilitation loans to support the households affected by the floods through its partnership with Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance. PKR 250 million has been disbursed to construct 1,382 houses in all four provinces. The loan size goes up to PKR 300,000, and the tenure is up to 4 years. The funds have revolved around PKR 332.1 million.
E. Revive and Rise – Subsidized collateral-free loans for the revival of small rural businesses and sustainable livelihood
Bank Alfalah launched a specialised microfinance program with an initial allocation of PKR 250 million, targeting households engaged in dairy farming and subsistence-level crop cultivation. To date, PKR 200 million has been disbursed, benefiting approximately 700 individuals. The programme offers affordable financing at 2% per annum with a repayment period of up to 5 years. The program incorporates digital disbursement channels, insurance coverage, capacity-building initiatives, and market linkages to enhance impact. Notably, 43% of the beneficiaries are women.
About Bank Alfalah:
Bank Alfalah is a leading commercial bank in Pakistan, with over 1,000 branches across 200 cities and an international presence in the UAE, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. Its heritage and prominence extend over 25 successful years, highlighted by achievements that reflect exponential growth in the country’s financial sector.
The Bank offers various products and services to private-sector institutions and governments, including corporate and investment banking, consumer banking, securities brokerage, commercial, small and medium enterprises, agricultural, Islamic, and asset financing.
The Bank has established itself as a premier digital bank by introducing various features on its banking app, such as Alfamall, Buy Now Pay Later, and Term Deposit Receipts. It has also launched Pakistan’s first digital lifestyle branch.
Over the last three years, Bank Alfalah has been recognised with multiple accolades, including being named a leading ‘Digital Bank’ and a distinguished Bank in ‘House Financing’ and ‘Customer Franchise’, highlighting its commitment to simplifying and improving customers’ financial capabilities. Bank Alfalah is also ranked among the top 10 companies on the Pakistan Stock Exchange and recognised as the ‘Most Inclusive Organisation’ by Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benchmarks.
Bank Alfalah’s commitment to social responsibility remains steadfast. The bank is dedicated to developing innovative and progressive approaches that have a lasting impact on people’s lives and the planet. Their pledge to a sustainable future is evident in their efforts to improve social, economic, and environmental capital. Sincere gratitude is extended to the Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, and the board for their unwavering support. Their generous pledge of USD 10 million in 2022 for flood-impacted communities has empowered the bank to assist the region sustainably, equitably, and financially inclusively.
