KARACHI, Pakistan — November 05, 2025: Celebrating 30 years of transforming lives through education, The Citizens Foundation (TCF) has built one of the world’s largest networks of community-based schools 2,261 schools educating 320,000 children across Pakistan. Founded in 1995 by six friends with a mission to make quality education accessible to every child, TCF has become a national movement for change.
“What started as a small idea has become a nationwide movement,” said Mushtaq K. Chhapra, Co-Founder and Director. “TCF is proof of what can happen when people unite for a cause larger than themselves.”
Since its founding, TCF has supported 71,000 graduates and nearly 293,000 adult learners through its Aagahi literacy programme. Its alumni have gone on to study at leading institutions including Harvard University and IBA Karachi.
“Behind each number is a story of courage,” said Zia Akhter Abbas, President and CEO. “Our success belongs to the children, teachers, and supporters who believe in the power of education.
Supported by a global community of donors and volunteers, TCF aims to reach two million learners by 2030 through expanded access and partnerships. Its 30th anniversary theme, “Karwaan Bunta Gaya” “the caravan grew as it moved” reflects a journey that began with five schools in Karachi and now spans every province of Pakistan.
