Islamabad: Pakistan is home to around 4.6 million orphan children, nearly two percent of the country’s total population, but fewer than 150,000 are currently being supported by government and charitable organisations, leaving hundreds of thousands deprived of proper education, healthcare and a decent standard of living, welfare representatives said.
The figures were highlighted at a Türkiye-Pakistan Friendship Iftar hosted in Islamabad by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in collaboration with Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan and Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal on Saturday, where more than 200 orphan children gathered for a special Ramadan event featuring games, gifts and an Iftar meal.
Representatives of the host organisations said that while a limited number of orphaned children are being supported through welfare programmes, the overwhelming majority continue to struggle without access to quality education, healthcare, nutritious food and safe living conditions.
Vice President of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan Arshad Malik said that although Pakistan has around 4.6 million orphan children, less than one percent are being cared for through government or non-government welfare programmes.
He said most orphaned children in the country remain outside organised support systems and urged society to take responsibility for helping vulnerable children living around them.
Arshad Malik said caring for orphans was a responsibility strongly emphasised in Islam, noting that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was himself an orphan and was well aware of the hardships faced by children who lose their parents.
He urged individuals and communities to come forward to support orphaned children so they can receive proper education, healthcare and opportunities for a better future.
During the event, orphan children under the care of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Alkhidmat Foundation enjoyed the Iftar meal and participated in games and activities organised as part of the celebration of World Orphans Day. Gift packages were also distributed among the children.
The Türkiye-Pakistan Friendship Iftar was attended by Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Pakistan Buket Kop and Chairperson of the Pakistan-Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group Shaista Pervaiz.
Representatives of Turkish institutions operating in Pakistan, international organisations, civil society groups, public sector institutions and university students also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, TIKA Islamabad Programme Coordinator Saliha Tuna highlighted the importance of strong and reliable institutions that can ensure the safety, education and well being of vulnerable children.
She said TIKA works in many regions of the world to support orphaned children, particularly in conflict affected areas.
Saliha Tuna said the organisation was supporting millions of orphan children in regions affected by war and humanitarian crises including Gaza, Syria and several African countries, while also supporting vulnerable children in Pakistan through partnership projects.
She added that TIKA also provides educational opportunities for orphaned children from different parts of the Islamic world, including Pakistan, to help them build a secure and productive future.
Ms Tuna thanked Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Alkhidmat Foundation for their cooperation in initiatives aimed at supporting orphaned children and strengthening humanitarian cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan.
Participants at the event said sustained support from both government institutions and charitable organisations would be essential to ensure that orphaned children in Pakistan receive education, healthcare and protection necessary for their development.
