International Volunteer Day: Giving back, one step at a time

“We need to actively promote human dignity, volunteering plays a vital transforming role in society.” says Zamurd Khan

ISLAMABAD:

Hundreds of volunteers including students from the twin cities participated in a walk at China Chowk to mark the International Volunteers Day on Wednesday.

The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) organised the walk with an aim to encourage volunteerism in the country and highlight its importance.

The walk started from China Chowk and culminated in front of D-Chowk. Volunteers were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans to encourage volunteerism and its importance to help the marginalised communities in the country.

Sadia Batool, one of the participants, told The Express Tribune that many vulnerable communities need immediate help. “I think every individual should come forward for this great cause as many issues like poverty still need to be resolved,” she added.

But NCHD Chairperson Dr Nafisa Shah, who was supposed to join the walk, was nowhere to be seen.

Pakistan Baitul Mal Managing Director Zamurd Khan, who was the chief guest, appreciated the effort and urged the youth to come forward by helping vulnerable communities.

He said that it is not possible to eradicate poverty, hunger, intolerance and discrimination without the dedication of volunteers. “We need to actively promote human dignity, and volunteering plays a vital transforming role in society.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2012.