As many as 45 welfare organisations launched TABA Foundation on Saturday and agreed on coordinating with each other in the event of calamity or a natural disaster.
The event was held at Sayeed Saigol Auditorium, Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums). According to a press release, “TABA stands for the Qura’anic verse Ta’awanu Alal Birr Wattaqwa (Help each other in good and righteousness deeds)
Some of the organisations are Naimun Naseer Trust, Bunyad Foundation, Custom Health & Care Society, Depilex Smile Again Foundation, Kawish Trust, Taleem Foundation, Waseela Foundation, Akhuwat, Al Ilm Trust, Blood Stream, CARE Foundation, Fountain House, Ghazali Education Trust, Muslim Aid, Muslim Hands UK, Karwan-i-Ilm Foundation, Khoon-i-Jegar Foundation, Sanjog, and Zarar Shaheed Trust.
The National Disaster Management Authority chairman, Dr Zafar Iqbal Qadir, was the chief guest.
Khalid Mehmood Butt, the foundation’s disaster management committee member said such a platform was required keeping in view the experiences of the past. He said in the past, relief efforts after disasters had been disorganised, which had affected the work. Most organisations work in isolation and cannot benefit from other’s strengths, said Butt.
“We’ll try our best to ensure there is no duplication and no areas and communities are under or over-served. This platform will ensure the best people reach the disaster-stricken place with appropriate help in time,” he said.
He added that the organisations would not be sharing funds. All members have submitted their databases for sharing, said Butt.
The NDMA chairman lauded the model of the foundation, adding that the state could reach everyone. “We are always in need of support from NGOs,” Qadir said.
The launching ceremony was followed by training sessions, conducted by Lums faculty members, on Capacity Building Concept and Application in Pakistan for Non-Profit Sector and Getting Recognition as National NGO and Tax Benefits.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2012.
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