Even when they are residing thousands of miles away from their homeland, overseas Pakistanis continue to be active members of society and a pillar of support for their compatriots. They provide financial assistance to many worthy social causes across Pakistan and step up in times of need. Such contributions have gained even more importance in the wake of the massive floods which engulfed many parts of the country in the summer of 2022.
In a span of less than two months, millions were left homeless, thousands of building and houses were demolished and hundreds of kilometers of roads and rail networks destroyed. According to the Ministry of Climate Change, around two thirds of the country was inundated by the monsoon rains. The intensity of the disaster can be gauged from the fact that more than 1,000 people lost their lives, and at least 1,600 were critically injured as a result of floods. As per the statistics issued by the Government of Pakistan, two million acres of crops were destroyed, and more than eight million livestock was lost since July 2022.
In affected areas across Sindh, southern Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thousands of people were left with no option but to take refuge, away from their homes and livelihoods. While the government and non-governmental organizations have been engaged in relief work, much more remains to be done to rebuild and rehabilitate the lives of those affected by this historic deluge.
Overseas Pakistanis are playing an important role in this endeavor, and facilitating them in this effort is the banking industry, and the State Bank of Pakistan. The launch of Roshan Digital Accounts, and associated services, like Roshan Samaaji Khidmat for charity and philanthropy, have received an overwhelming response from the Pakistani diaspora.
This service allows Pakistanis living abroad to donate to various educational, healthcare and other social causes in the country. Customers can visit the website of their respective banks for a list of eligible charities. However, some of the well-reputed, charitable organizations that they may donate to, include Aga Khan Hospital, Akhuwat Foundation, Chhipa Welfare Association, The Citizens Foundation, Edhi Foundation, Indus Hospital, JDC, Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT), Pink Ribbon Pakistan, SIUT, Sahara for Life Trust, Saylani Welfare Trust, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, The Kidney Center, Patients Aid Foundation and Zindagi Trust.
Participating banks include Allied Bank, Bank Alfalah, Bank Al-Habib, Bank of Punjab, Dubai Islamic Bank, Habib Bank Limited, JS Bank, Habib Metro, Faysal Bank, MCB Bank, Meezan, Samba Bank, Standard Chartered and United Bank Limited. Individuals maintaining Roshan Digital Accounts with these banks can easily send their donations.
Tens of thousands of people are still destitute and in need of financial assistance for food, shelter and healthcare. While overseas Pakistanis are always ready to play an active role in their homeland, the auspicious month of Ramazan offers us all an occasion to be even more generous and compassionate towards those most in need.
