On November 3 rd , 2018, Behbud held a fundraiser, the Behbud’s Wellness Tea. The aim was to collect PKR 2 Million which is the annual running cost for the Behbud Primary School, Kalapul. The school provides quality education to 200 students who come from the surrounding kachiabadis of Kalapul and Railway Colony.
It was a delightful event set in the beautiful gardens of Mrs. Siddiqui who generously allowed Behbud to use the premises. Almost 300 women came dressed in “something purple” beautifying the garden even more. As an early bird reward, the first 30 ladies to arrive received a free salon voucher and the ladies who came later got 50% off and 20% off gift vouchers.

Interning for an organisation as wondrous as the Behbud Association was a sensational opportunity I was honoured with as a sixteen year old. The few days that I spent at Behbud taught me a lot about the community that I live in.

On my first day at Behbud I was assigned the job to teach “English Speaking” to a group of ten children of ages ranging from Fourteen to Seventeen. I must admit that I was quite nervous. I knew that now it was my responsibility to teach them the correct way to speak, read and write English.

The students looked at me in awe as though they also wanted to speak as fluently as me, and I hoped I would be able to help them do so. Day by day the eagerness to learn kept increasing within these children as they grew more comfortable with us, the volunteers.

Not only this, but the drive to be successful seemed to be powered with passion within every single student. I noticed an immense increase in class participation, confidence and girls wanting to correct their mistakes, trying to do their best.

These girls have been extremely courteous, not only in the classroom but outside it too. Offering to wipe the board, accompanying me whilst I waited for my car to arrive and offering me food, showed how kind hearted these girls were.

I myself as a student have always wanted to keep away from studies and homework but the dedication I saw in these children, was bewildering. I can easily support this statement with an example; even though I gave them homework to write one sentence each for some particular words, a student of mine asked for my number because she wanted me to check her work in which she voluntarily made extra sentences for every word assigned. Nothing inspired me more than the hard work and dedication these students were willing to put in to improve their English skills.

Furthermore, I was lucky to have been given a chance to help out Indus Valley volunteers in helping the young Nine to Twelve year olds at Art. As I walked around the classroom I saw boys who would usually be seen running around their neighbourhood playing with each other paint with extreme passion, focus and drive.

They stared at their blank A-3 sheets thinking very hard and long to come up with something flawless and unique. They didn’t even try to talk to each other until they had drawn something presentable and something they were proud of on the sheets in front of them.

Every student here is filled with talent, if not in subjects like maths and science then arts or dramatics, which is also offered by Behbud Association.

Here they are also taught how to act and control their body language and expressions on stage. Many children are wonderful actors who are able to engage their audience, the teachers into the act they are presenting in the classroom which they treat as their stage.

Behbud has been serving as a stupendous institution for several years, bringing out the superlative potential from within these children and such institutes will soon serve to create a propitious future for our country.

One of the most important teachings in Islam is that all things belong to Allah and that we come from Him and shall one day return to Him. Our life is transient and wealth is a blessing from Him; it does not follow us in the afterlife. Islam preaches altruism. Muslims are told not to hoard wealth and to abstain from greed. The word “charity”is mentioned 32 times in the Qu’ran as a constant reminder of the importance of giving.

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And God multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And God is all-Encompassing and all- Knowing.”

(Qu’ran 2:261)

As the Quranic verse states, when one spends his/her wealth in the way of Allah there is no decrease in wealth but, indeed, Allah gives much, much more to replace it.

Five Pillars of Islam and Zakat
The Five Pillars of Islam are Shahadah, Salah, Sawm, Zakat & Hajj. By adhering to the Five Pillars, Muslims demonstrate that they are putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their worldly lives.

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is compulsory on all Muslims and is levied on savings, not income, at the rate of 2 .5%. This money is either directly given to the poor or to Muslim charitable organizations

Benefits of Zakat
“Take from their wealth so that you might purify and sanctify them”(Qur’an 9:103)

The word Zakat means ‘purification’ and “growth’. By giving a percentage of our wealth, we purify our hearts and our possessions of the taint of greed and nurture spiritual growth as we offer thanks to Allah for all His bounties. This is how the giver of Zakat benefits.

Zakat funds given to the poor help to ease their lot in life. The basic amenities that we take for granted: food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and education are usually beyond the reach of the poor. But Zakat helps millions of families acquire these basic necessities. Whole societies can be lifted out of the miseries of deprivation and guided along the path to better lives with the Zakat funds.

Zakat furthers the concept of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. The socio-economic balance is maintained between the classes of society. Circulation of wealth continues from the rich to the poor and does not remain in a few hands only. This distribution of wealth helps to overcome poverty and other social ailments from our society. Poverty alleviation and social equality become possible.

So do not let the opportunity to give Zakat be lost. Give and give generously. And remember Behbud Association, Karachi as the premier organization which merits your Zakat.

Fight TB with Behbud Association, Karachi

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the world's most infectious diseases and continues to be a pressing health problem today. It is an airborne killer and can affect any one of us. Over 5,000 women, men and children still die each day from TB. The social and economic impacts are devastating.

Behbud Association, Karachi is a not-for-profit organization (NPO) working relentlessly to empower women and children in deserving communities. TB is most prevalent in such areas, so by focusing on these TB hotspots through its TB clinic and mobile TB van, Behbud aids the neediest people.

Behbud Association, Karachi follows the WHO approved D.O.T.S program in TB treatment and achieves an even higher rate of cure than the WHO target of 85%. This is possible because Behbud insists on screening all suspect cases, strictly follows all patients throughout the 6-8 month treatment (even visiting defaulters in their homes, if necessary) and provides TB awareness programs to the women and children of vulnerable communities.

Behbud Association, Karachi has a holistic approach and works in the fields of Health, Education and Livelihoods. These services empower women and children and improve their lives tremendously.

Success stories of TB survivors motivate Behbud Association, Karachi to continue in its fight against TB. Behbud Association Karachi wants to raise awareness about this disease, and about the importance of getting tested and adhering to treatment.

One of many success stories is Shehrbano

Unfortunately, throughout Pakistan, TB is a disease of poverty.

Shehrbano’s mother grew up in poverty and had to leave school as a child to take care of her siblings. She left home when she married, but her husband passed away leaving her with 4-year-old Shehrbano. Facing destitution, she decided to move back to her parent’s home, who were barely making ends meet themselves.

Shehrbano was brought to Behbud’s TB clinic after she had been suffering for two months with fevers, cough, and general malaise. At the age of 17, she felt ashamed about telling anyone about her illness due to stigmas associated with TB. Behbud TB clinic’s trained staff worked tirelessly with her for six months and supported her throughout her treatment. They made sure she followed the treatment diligently and also counseled her about her disease.

She now speaks openly about her TB. Her renewed confidence and well-being is a ray of hope in her impoverished community. Shehrbano has been deemed cured.

Behbud’s TB program was initiated in the year 2000. It is open to both men and women.

By donating Rs. 120,000,  the cost of treatment for a TB Patient you too can be part of a success story:

http://behbudkarachi.org.pk/donate/

Come one, Come All! Bring the whole family! The Behbud Spring Fiesta 2018 – By far the grandest annual fundraising event of Behbud Association, Karachi, took place on Saturday March 3rd 2018 at the DA Sunset Club from 12 noon to 10pm and had queues of shoppers and attendees. The event was the talk of the town. A week later there is online positive chatter about the fiesta and incoming calls requesting advance booking for next year.

The event was advertised not only through word of mouth, flyers and posters but on all platforms of social media, radio and television (Thank you FM91 and TV 1). Due to all the hype, and the support of the public we had a record breaking attendance. The Fiesta was the perfect platform to launch the exclusive unstitched hand embroidered ladies suits called ‘Behbud Breeze’, a new line introduced by Behbud Association, Karachi. It was a definite hit with our loyal customers. Also available for sale at the other Behbud stalls were our in-house handmade leather products, block printed goods, children’s clothes, stitched ladies wear, towels and table linen. The Behbud White Elephant Stall did a roaring business selling items donated by members and friends of Behbud.

In total we managed to accommodate 167 stalls and unfortunately had to turn away a long list of eager vendors. There was a huge array of quality stalls which included Pret Wear, handicrafts, towels, bedsheets, unstitched clothes, bridal wear, jewelry, condiments – you name it, it was there! A shopper’s paradise all under one marquis!

After hours of shopping, the hungry public headed to the Food Court. To cater to the taste of the discerning Karachiites, we had a variety of options available for them. There were established Karachi outlets such as OMG, Il Posto, New York Coffee, Berlin Doner & Gyro, White Biryani, Chai Shai, D’OH, Waffle Witch, Waffle Cart, Organigo, as well as upcoming home based stalls like Khow Chow, Dhokla on the Go, Popholic and, a personal favourite, Delina. Right in the center was the Behbud Bake Shop which had chaat from Mirchili, rolls from BBQ Tonight, the most amazing cakes from Shama, banana bread from Emaan and other goodies baked and cooked by members and friends of Behbud. Robin Hood Army was invited to collect all leftover food but most food stalls were sold out by early afternoon, while others were forced to take breaks to restock.

Our main attraction was the Kids’ Area. It was a hit with fun activities including an actual pool with boats, t-shirt block printing, face painting, clay painting, Easel Bay canvas painting, a trampoline, mehndi booth, and animal balloons. On-stage entertainment kept everyone constantly engaged - the kids, parents and even the stall holders were equally interested. There were hourly games with prizes, cooking competitions, storytelling sessions, as well as two magic shows by the renowned magician, Sabir Ali.

Last but not least, there was a beautiful selfie booth designed, gratis, by well-known artist, Anisa Rashid Khan who gave the booth a ‘Pride and Prejudice’ theme with flowered hats, parasols and other fun props. Ladies and kids were happy taking selfies as well as celebrities who came to the Fiesta to show solidarity with Behbud’s mission. Spotted taking pictures at the booth were HIna Bayat, Khushbakht Shujaat, Marina Khan, Nadia Hussain, Shahzad Sheikh and Yousuf Bashir Qureshi.

A big thank you to all who came out to support Behbud Association, Karachi, an NPO run by women volunteers to empower women and children. As always, the money generated from the Fiesta will go toward Behbud’s Education, Health and Livelihood projects

A heartfelt thank you to Helium Pvt Ltd who gave us invaluable support and help and all our sponsors namely Engro Vopak, Hubco, Engro Elengy, Engro Fertilizer, Unilever and TCS for their timely financial help.

Thank you all for coming and see you next year!

Running a nonprofit organization is an inspiring way to give back to your community and help those in need. Growing and sustaining a non profit takes years of effort and a great deal of determination similarly Behbud Association Karachi, also empowers communities to uplift their standard of living.

Behbud Association, Karachi, believes that good health is the first step in improving lives of disenfranchised people. Their subsidized health care programs provide efficient and affordable health services to marginalized communities. Behbud health services (BHS) provides quality healthcare to women and children at minimal cost. At present, 40 clinics a week are running under the umbrella of BHS. Behbud’s main centers are located in Mehmoodabad, near Kalapul and Clifton near Shirin Jinnah Colony. In both these centers, they have weekly clinics of general OPD, Pediatrics, Diabetes, Hypertension, Dermatology, Gynecology, Child immunization, and TB DOTS program. An eye clinic in conjunction with LRBT and Dental clinic is also there. Behbud also has its own X-ray department and pathology lab. This makes life easier for people who come to Behbud since all the services are available under one roof.

The journey of hope of Behbud Association, Karachi, will one-day Inshallah find its destination with the help of donations. Their meritorious services for certain communities have really cherished their lives. For more information and detail visit the website http://behbudkarachi.org.pk/

Behbud Association, Karachi, promotes healthy family traditions and improves living conditions of families by empowering women with different skills. This organization has been actively working for people working in areas such as Mehmoodabad, Sultanabad, Qayyumabad, Shireen Jinnah Colony and Korangi. Its literacy and advocacy program has helped change the lives of numerous people and reduced their social problems to quite an extent.

The journey of hope of Behbud Association, Karachi, through sheer hard work and determination, will one-day Inshallah find its destination of making good progress.


Behbud Association, Karachi gets donations and tries to raise funds through different programs. For more information and details visit their website http://behbudkarachi.org.pk/