FPCCI Pledges Support to Shahid Afridi Foundation at Karachi Charity Evening
Business leaders back SAF’s work in healthcare, education, clean water and disaster relief while Shahid Afridi calls for stronger private-sector support.
FPCCI leaders and Shahid Afridi discuss stronger business support for humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has pledged stronger support for the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF), bringing business leaders and philanthropists together at a special event in Karachi titled “An Evening with Shahid Afridi.”
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said the apex business body would encourage and mobilise Pakistan’s business community to support SAF’s humanitarian initiatives. The foundation works across areas including healthcare, education, housing, disaster relief and access to clean water.
The gathering brought together senior corporate executives, industrialists and philanthropists to recognise Shahid Afridi’s contribution both to cricket and humanitarian work.
Afridi thanked FPCCI for its support and urged business leaders to play a greater role in nation-building. He said private-sector backing remains essential for expanding large-scale welfare projects.
The former Pakistan cricket star also expressed his willingness to promote Pakistani exports internationally. He said he could use his global profile to support industrialisation, employment generation and broader social development.
Business community backs humanitarian work
Atif Ikram Sheikh praised Afridi’s transition from a celebrated sportsman to a prominent humanitarian figure.
He said Afridi had won the public’s admiration through cricket, while his philanthropic work had created an enduring legacy through the foundation.
Sheikh also stressed that economic progress and corporate social responsibility should develop together. He said the business community supports SAF’s efforts to expand healthcare and education services for underserved communities.
The event also included a presentation on SAF’s ongoing projects and its work at the grassroots level.
Business representatives welcomed the opportunity to build stronger partnerships with the foundation. They highlighted the importance of cooperation between private organisations and credible charitable institutions in addressing Pakistan’s social challenges.
FPCCI plans wider CSR cooperation
FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said trade organisations could play an important role in sustaining charitable programmes.
He said Pakistan’s corporate sector has a strong tradition of philanthropy. However, directing that support through established organisations could increase its overall impact.
Magoon said FPCCI would work with SAF to connect its welfare projects with the corporate social responsibility programmes of affiliated chambers and associations across Pakistan.
FPCCI Vice President and Regional Chairman Sindh Abdul Mohamin Khan also pledged support from regional chambers.
He said trade bodies could assist SAF with fundraising and awareness campaigns, including projects such as schools and water filtration plants.
Sports and service highlighted at gathering
The event also featured distinguished guests, including DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah and Commodore Imran Khalid, SI (M), Chief of Staff ComCoast, Pakistan Navy.
Pir Muhammad Shah praised the initiative and highlighted the connection between sports, discipline and community service.
He said sport can promote unity and discipline among young people, while SAF is using a similar spirit to improve access to education and healthcare.
Commodore Imran Khalid also praised Afridi’s humanitarian efforts. He described the foundation’s work with disadvantaged communities as an example of service to the country.
The event ended with a shared commitment from FPCCI and the business community to strengthen support for SAF and expand its humanitarian reach across Pakistan.
