The founders of Pakistan’s leading orphan charity, the Almarah Foundation, were hosted in Bradford this week by Director of MyLahore, Ishfaq Farooq, as they look to establish their UK chapter.
The foundation, spearheaded by its chairperson Mrs Sophiya Warraich, supports more than 250 orphan children in Pakistan, including children from Christian communities. The charity is also supported by Mrs Warraich’s husband, DIG Mehboob Lilla, and has acclaimed actor-director Hamza Ali Abbasi as its ambassador.
The trio travelled to the UK at their own expense to raise funds and build connections for their cause. During their visit to Bradford, they met with community and business leaders and explored opportunities for future collaboration.
Image: Ishfaq Farooq
Highlights of their tour included a private dinner at MyLahore’s flagship restaurant, desserts at Wunder Crumble Kerbside, a visit to Regal Foods’ factory, a stop at Ballr Lounge and Janan, as well as a ladies’ brunch at Asian Standard HQ. The delegation also visited Bradford Teaching Hospitals, where both parties had an opportunity to showcase each other’s work, with opportunities to perhaps support each other’s charities in the future.
Speaking to Asian Standard, Ishfaq Farooq pledged his ongoing support for the foundation: “I have decided to dedicate my time and support to the Almarah team, because the work that they do is not only selfless, but it’s life-changing for those children who have no one. I have seen first-hand in Pakistan the great work they do and am so happy to help them set up their UK arm. The need is growing day by day in Pakistan to help orphans with a better life, especially after the devastating floods. I urge everyone to get behind the charity and support them where they can.”
Image: RFMP
Mrs Sophiya Warraich added that Almarah’s mission is to give children freedom and opportunity: “These children have the choice to be whoever they want to be. They have their own stories, and our job is to ensure those stories have the best chance at life.”
Hamza Ali Abbasi, who was last seen on screen in the blockbuster film The Legend of Maula Jatt, expressed pride in being associated with the cause:
“I have visited the foundation unannounced to truly understand what it is about and based on my experiences I have decided to give my full support to help these children.”
With the support of Bradford businesses and community leaders, the Almarah Foundation is now laying the groundwork for its UK presence, aiming to bring new opportunities and life-changing support to some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable children.
You can help or get involved by visiting: https://almarah.org
