The unwavering, year-round generosity of committed donors and philanthropists—many of whom prefer to remain anonymous—was warmly acknowledged as their support continues to secure the education, dignity and well-being of 2,150 orphaned students enrolled in the charitable schools of the Green Crescent Trust (GCT) across Sindh’s most remote and underserved areas.
To honour this collective compassion, the GCT organised a day-long fun gala for around 2,150 orphaned students from its 112 schools in Karachi and 3 schools in Thatta at a renowned holiday resort located off the M-9 Motorway. Similar recreational galas will be held later this month at Hyderabad’s Rani Bagh and at Baynazeer Park (Lab-e-Mehran) in Sukkur, ensuring that all orphaned students enrolled in GCT schools share in the celebrations.
The occasion also marked the formal launch of the Trust’s Ramazan 2026 Fundraising Drive, which aims to raise Rs 900 million to accelerate efforts to enrol out-of-school children across Sindh and further strengthen the fight against illiteracy.
Welcoming guests and donors, Zahid Saeed, GCT Chief Executive Officer, said that the Trust’s patrons consistently ensure the provision of special hygiene and education kits, along with annual food ration packages, for orphaned students. He added that these children are also given the opportunity to shop for essentials of their own choice on Eid-ul-Fitr, while meat is distributed among their families on Eid-ul-Azha, in addition to receiving quality schooling throughout the year. Zahid Saeed paid special tribute to ICNA Canada (Islamic Circle of North America), whose philanthropists conceived and financially supported the idea of a comprehensive, year-round assistance programme for orphaned students. He said that the educational, co-curricular and extra-curricular needs of these children are being addressed holistically, enabling them to grow into confident, productive citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to Pakistan’s development. “These students are being equipped to secure their own futures while uplifting families that face severe economic hardship,” he noted.
Expressing gratitude to the management of Dreamworld Resort, the GCT chief said the resort has been granting honorary day-long membership every year, allowing orphaned students to enjoy all recreational facilities and joyrides—an experience that brings joy, confidence and a sense of inclusion. Highlighting the Trust’s long-term impact, Zahid Saeed shared that nine graduates from GCT schools in the small town of Mehrabpur have gone on to become doctors, now serving the medical needs of their local communities. He said the Trust, backed by sustained philanthropic support, has established a network of 173 charitable schools across underprivileged regions of Sindh, currently educating 34,660 students from deprived families. He added that the GCT is firmly on track to achieve its Vision-2030, which envisages expanding the network to 250 schools with a capacity of 100,000 students in coming five years. He further announced that from 2026, the Trust plans to expand its schooling network beyond Sindh to benefit needy families in other underserved parts of the country.
Zahid Saeed also acknowledged the business communities of Lahore and Islamabad, who recently contributed an impressive Rs 150 million at fundraising events to support education for children from marginalised communities in Sindh.
Speaking as chief guest, Atif Iqbal, Group Chief Executive Officer of High-Q Pharma, said that he and other committed donors of the GCT would extend additional support to ensure that orphaned students are able to pursue higher education free of cost. He described witnessing the children enjoying a joyful day at a high-end holiday resort as a deeply moving experience for donors who are dedicated to uplifting underprivileged students through quality education. He reaffirmed his continued commitment to supporting the academic futures of these orphaned students and safeguarding the well-being of their families, calling the work of the GCT “an investment in Pakistan’s most precious resource—its children.”
On the occasion, The Chief Guest, Hi-Q Pharma Group CEO, Atif Iqbal announced a highly innovative and impactful initiative for Green Crescent Trust students, aimed at expanding their access to higher education and long-term career opportunities. He has extended its commitment to social responsibility by sponsoring selected students of Green Crescent Trust for higher education, enabling deserving and high-performing graduates to continue their academic journey beyond school level. Under this initiative, Hi-Q Pharma will support GCT students in pursuing college and university education, covering key academic expenses and helping remove financial barriers that often prevent talented students from advancing further. The sponsorship reflects Hi-Q Pharma’s long-term vision of investing in education as a catalyst for sustainable social development and empowering underprivileged youth to become productive contributors to society.
High-Q Pharma’s Group CEO particularly lauded the long-standing and persistent campaign spearheaded by GCT CEO Zahid Saeed, which has consistently urged both tiers of government to enforce stringent oversight and accountability in the utilisation of the billions of rupees earmarked each year under their education budgets to genuinely secure the future of children belonging to marginalised and backward communities.” A very sincere and heartfelt congratulations to ZB Bhai, his entire GCT and especially OSP (Orphan Support Programme) Gala team for arranging such an outstanding, well-coordinated, and emotionally uplifting event,” he added.
GCT leadership welcomed the initiative, terming it a significant step toward creating a complete education pathway for orphaned and deserving students, from primary schooling to higher education, through strong corporate partnerships. This collaboration highlights the growing role of responsible corporate engagement in strengthening Pakistan’s education ecosystem and transforming lives through access to quality higher education.
