Karachi, Pakistan — The Orange Tree Foundation (OTF) held its impactful event, OTF Changemakers Gathering, in Karachi, a heartwarming evening that reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to uplift high merit, financially challenged students with fully funded scholarships and holistic support, guiding them toward long term financial independence.
With its guiding motto Support, Encourage, Educate, the evening opened with a welcoming dinner that set a warm, community driven tone, followed by an inspiring program focused on access, dignity, and transformation through education.
OTF’s CEO, Mr. Omer Mateen Allahwala, shared the Foundation’s core belief: that every young person deserves not only an education, but the inspiration, mentorship, and belief to rise and lead. He emphasized that OTF’s purpose goes beyond financial aid, it’s about helping students unlock their inner strength and realize their potential to transform their futures, families, and communities.
The gathering was deeply honored to host Chief Guests Mr. Mushtaq Chhapra, Co founder of The Citizens Foundation (TCF), and Dr. Amjad Saqib, Founder of Akhuwat, two visionaries in the field of education and social uplift.
Mr. Chhapra highlighted the landmark collaboration between TCF and OTF, which ensures that students educated at TCF’s schools now have access to free higher education through OTF’s support. He proudly noted that TCF has already educated over 300,000 children from underserved communities, and emphasized the importance of continuing this journey through access to higher education. “We are not just educating children, we are enabling futures. When institutions come together with a shared purpose, the impact is multiplied.”
Dr. Saqib, whose organization Akhuwat has empowered millions through interest free microloans and free higher education at Akhuwat College, shared, “Real compassion means believing in someone before they believe in themselves. Supporting education is the highest form of faith in a better Pakistan.” He praised OTF for creating a pathway where dignity, opportunity, and compassion meet.
The event also welcomed His Excellency Mr. Herman Hardynata Ahmad, Consul General of Malaysia, who expressed his appreciation for OTF’s mission and dedication to empowering Pakistan’s youth through education and holistic support, recognizing the importance of such initiatives in fostering sustainable development and stronger bilateral ties.
The evening featured a heartening pledge session, gracefully led by OTF advocate Mr. Danish Aman, where esteemed representatives from prominent financial institutions including HabibMetro Bank and Bank Alfalah, alongside influential business leaders such as Mayor of Badin Mr. Junaid Naqi, KATI President Mrs. Farheen Salman, and Mr. Bilal Ahmed, CEO of Lipton Teas & Infusions, made generous commitments. Their collective support reinforces a shared dedication to expanding educational access and empowering financially challenged, high merit youth to build a future of financial independence and social impact.
The evening’s warmth and success were amplified by the gracious support of several key hosts and patrons Mr. & Mrs. Danish Aman, Mr. & Mrs. Zahid Hameed, Mr. & Mrs. Adnan Zahoor, Mr. & Mrs. Bilal Ahmed, Mr. & Mrs. Yasir Shafi, Mr. & Mrs. Nabil Jangda, Mr. & Mrs. Jahanzeb Khan, Mr. & Mrs. Asim Saleem Khan, Mr. & Mrs. Riyaz Chinoy, Mr. & Mrs. Riaz Ahmed, Mr. & Mrs. Rashid Zahur, Mr. & Mrs. Omer Mateen, Mr. Usman Butt, Mrs. Moneeza Usman Butt, Mr. & Mrs. Tariq Rabbani, Ms. Sana Parekh, Ms. Bina Sohail, and Mr. & Mrs. Ehtesham Maqbool Elahi.
The OTF Changemakers Gathering was more than an event, it was a powerful celebration of collective commitment, compassion, and the belief that when we invest in one student, we invest in the soul of Pakistan’s future.
