In a notable journey, The World Federation’s Office Bearers, Delegates and Members of the Executive Council, embarked on a visit to Pakistan, hosted by the Pakistan Federation and Khoja (Pirhai) Shia Isna Asheri Jamaat (KPSIAJ), for the Seventh Meeting of the Executive Council 2021-2024. This marked a significant chapter in fostering connections, paying homage to historical figures, and advancing initiatives for the welfare and progress of the community.
WF Office Bearers, WF Councillors, Delegates, Invitees alongside Committee
Members of Pakistan Federation and KPSIAJ
Here’s a glimpse of their impactful journey:
On 25th December 2023, WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer, WF Vice President – Dr. Munir Datoo, and WF Delegates, commenced their trip to Pakistan, embarking on a series of impactful visits, covering Punjab and Sindh.
The journey started with the inauguration of the Jabir bin Hayyan Academic Block at Al-Fajr University in Mianwali District.
During their visit in Mianwali, they engaged with beneficiaries and ground partners, gaining insights into the Economic Upliftment Project aimed at supporting deserving families affected by the floods.
As part of the initiative, Loader Rickshaws were handed over to beneficiaries as a means of empowering small businesses.
WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer, WF Vice President – Dr. Munir Datoo, and Head of Islamic Education Department – Shaykh Dr. Murtadha Alidina also visited the Hussaini Foundation Islamabad Office. A comprehensive presentation was shared, highlighting the various projects undertaken in the past year. Valuable insights were obtained regarding the expansion of the Economic Upliftment Program across regions in Sindh, Punjab, and KPK. The Islamic Education project garnered significant interest from the visitors.
The delegation further visited Jamia Al-Kauthar (Al Kauthar University, Islamabad), engaging in insightful discussions with esteemed scholars and students. The team had the privilege of meeting (Marhum) Ayatollah Shaykh Mohsin Ali Najafi, Shaykh Anwar Najafi, and Shaykh Ishaq Najafi.
The day concluded with a dinner meeting featuring prominent members of the Khoja Community residing in Islamabad. Discussions revolved around ongoing charitable projects, notably the establishment of the first Shi’a graveyard in the Pakistan Capital.
After a 7-hour road journey, the delegation visited the villages of Muzaffargarh, marking the inauguration of RO Water Plants, a project by WF-AID’s Ali Asghar Water Appeal 2023. Alhamdulillah, the initiative ensures clean drinking water for hundreds of beneficiaries.
The WF Delegates and Councillors, inaugurated a primary school in the village of Sanwaie Syed, Muzaffargarh, a project made possible by the support of generous donors.
In addition to the educational endeavor, the delegation visited the Mosque in Sanwaie Syed Village, sponsored by The WF in partnership with Every Human Matters Foundation. The visit included an inspection of the finishing works, furthering WF’s commitment to community development.
The day concluded with a dinner, fostering connections amongst The WF, delegation members, ground partners, and dedicated volunteers in Muzaffargarh, South Punjab.
Enroute to Sukkur, Sindh, The WF Delegation made a significant stop at Khanpur, District Rahim Yar Khan, where they visited an ongoing six-day Mubaligheen Training Program. A total of 45 male mubalighs were benefiting from this initiative.
Shaykh Dr Murtadha Alidina – Head of Islamic Education Department graced the event, delivering a lecture and engaging with both participants and facilitators of the training program.
The delegation expressed appreciation and confirmed ongoing support to extend and enhance such vital projects.
That evening, the delegation arrived in Village Channesar, District Khairpur, Sindh, witnessing the distribution of blankets as part of WF-AID’s Winter Appeal to underprivileged individuals and students of Al-Muntazir School. Additionally, the distinguished guests participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for an additional six-classroom block.
The day concluded with The WF Delegation hosting a dinner for ground partners and volunteers working across different districts of Sindh. During this gathering, the WF Delegation engaged in a healthy discussion, gained valuable insights into the challenges faced, and expressed appreciation for the dedicated hard work being carried out by all involved.
The delegation undertook a comprehensive visit to several sites in Sindh, witnessing the ongoing construction of homes and washrooms as part of the Pakistan Flood Emergency – ‘Build a Home‘ project, aimed at providing essential housing for flood-affected families.
Notable locations visited included Nangar Khan Chanio in District Naushera Feroze and Village Syed Chaitan Shah in the same district.
The WF Delegation further visited the Ahlul Bait Public School in District Moro. During the visit, they presented projects, and discussions revolved around future plans and identified needs.
The day concluded in Daro Jogi, District Khairpur, Sindh, with insightful discussions on the expansion of the Economic Upliftment project and the Ali Baba School, under the Zainabiya Child Sponsorship School (ZCSS). The delegation actively engaged in understanding the progress and potential impact of these initiatives in the region.
The day began with the delegation paying their respects to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, a distinguished member of the Khoja community. Accompanied by The WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer, esteemed Office Bearers including Assistant Secretary General – Alhaj Ali Jawad Hansraj, Assistant Hon Treasurer – Alhaj Sajjad Rajan, distinguished councillors, and members of the Pakistan Federation team, under the guidance of Agha Asgher H. Shaheedi. The tribute included reciting Sura al-Fateha, laying a wreath at the mausoleum, and witnessing an impressive parade by the armed forces.
This solemn tribute illustrates the unwavering commitment of The World Federation to the Khoja community and the broader Ithna-Asheri communities in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Federation team organized a guided tour for Councillors and overseas guests, offering an insightful visit to the Ghusl Khana and the community centre. The delegation proceeded to Aza Khana e Zehra (a), an Imambarghah generously gifted to the Karachi community by the Shirazee family in 1964.
The tour culminated with a delightful luncheon served at the Fatimiyah Schools Complex.
Witnessing the Code Bash Competition – Nurturing Youth Excellence
The Code Bash competition, initiated by KPSIAJ, in collaboration with The WF, drawing the participation of over 190 youth from all six regional federations, was officially inaugurated by The WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer and WF Secretary General – Alhaj Arifali Hirji.
During the address by The WF President, he extended appreciation for the commendable efforts of the Pakistan Federation Youth team. He took the opportunity to encourage the young participants, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence in preparation for the Imam of our time (aj).
The event served not only as a platform for coding prowess but also as a source of inspiration and motivation for the youth within the community.
A significant milestone as President Alhaj Safder Jaffer inaugurated the new special needs facilities at Fatimiyah School. With great satisfaction, he witnessed Fatimiyah School’s commitment to supporting students with special needs through these specialized facilities.
The World Federation Office Bearers graciously hosted a dinner and awards evening as an expression of gratitude to our esteemed Ground Partners and community organizations. The event took place at the Recreation Centre of Mehfil e Murtaza and witnessed a substantial turnout, including distinguished councillors, community leaders, grassroots organizations, and scholars.
The WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer made an address where he conveyed sincere appreciation for the unwavering support extended to The World Federation by all ground partners. He also made a commitment to further enhance activities in the region, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to ground partners, supporters, and local community organizations with a longstanding record of service. This ceremonial acknowledgment celebrated the dedication and impactful contributions of these entities, fostering a sense of communal appreciation and commitment to shared goals.
On the 31st of December 2023, the Seventh Meeting of the Executive Council Term 2021 – 2024 commenced. The day began with the State of the Community address by The WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer followed by an address from the President of the Pakistan Federation & KPSIAJ – Alhaj Abul Hasan Gokal. Following the first day of discussions, the hosts, Pakistan Federation and KPSIAJ, extended an invitation to all Delegates, Councillors and guests. In attendance were members of the local community, philanthropists, leaders of constituent Jamaats in Badin and Hyderabad, along with Office Bearers of KPSIAJ and Pakistan Federation.
The event featured enlightening presentations that shed light on key initiatives such as the Fatimiyah Hospital expansion project, developments at Fatimiyah University, and the overarching vision for community housing. Addressing the august assembly, The WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer not only expressed appreciation for the remarkable strides taken by the local community but also conveyed a sincere desire to support the needs of the Khoja community in Pakistan. This gathering served as a platform for collaboration and shared visions, showcasing the commitment to progress and welfare within the community.
On 1st January 2024, the Executive Council continued its Seventh Meeting, progressing with in-depth discussions on various departmental reports. A pivotal moment during the session was the passing of both the Marriage contract as well as the Mixed Gathering Policy Paper, outlining guidelines for gatherings in various scenarios.
Habib University graciously extended an invitation to the Executive Council participants for an enlightening tour of their impressive facility. Representing The World Federation Team were – Assistant Secretary General – Alhaj Ali Jawad Hansraj and Head of Islamic Education Department – Shaykh Dr. Murtadha Alidina. The tour, joined by several councillors and esteemed guests, included the presence of Alhaj Abul Hassan Gokal, Pakistan Federation President.
The delegation received a warm welcome from Alhaj Muhammad Habib, who personally greeted them on behalf of the board of governors. The visit featured a compelling presentation by Alhaj Wasif Rizvi – President of Habib University. The philosophical underpinning of ‘Yohsin,’ derived from the saying of Imam Ali (a) – “قِيمَةُ كُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا يُحْسِنُهُ”, serves as the cornerstone of the university’s values.
Alhaj Wasif Rizvi expressed a desire to collaborate closely with The WF, emphasizing the urgent need to address the challenging situation in Pakistan’s higher education sector.
