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The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) and the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen social welfare initiatives in Karachi and other underserved communities.
The agreement covers healthcare, education, clean drinking water and vocational training for young people.
KATI Senior Vice President and Standing Committee Chairman Zahid Hameed signed the MoU on behalf of KATI. SAF CEO Zafar Malik signed the agreement for the foundation.
KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput and Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi attended the signing ceremony.
A large number of industrialists and KATI members also participated. The attendees included Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Gabol, KATI Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali and former KATI presidents and chairmen Junaid Naqi, Sheikh Fazal Jaleel and Sheikh Manzar Alam.
Leather Association Chairman Danish Aman and Tee Square CEO Zainab Hameed were also present.
The business community announced donations of more than Rs30 million to the Shahid Afridi Foundation during the ceremony.
The funds will support SAF welfare initiatives in education, healthcare, clean water and other social sectors.
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Shahid Afridi thanked Pakistan and its people for the love, respect and recognition he has received throughout his career.
“I want to repay the respect Pakistan and the nation has given me through service,” Afridi said.
He highlighted Karachi’s large pool of young talent and said the city had significant potential.
According to Afridi, deserving communities need timely access to education, healthcare, clean drinking water and sports facilities. He particularly stressed the importance of supporting people living in underprivileged areas.
Afridi said his philanthropic journey began with a hospital project following the death of his father.
Over time, the foundation expanded its activities to remote and underserved areas across Pakistan. He described service to humanity as a means of seeking the pleasure of Allah Almighty.
Afridi said he had received immense support from Pakistan and now wanted to use his abilities to give back to society.
He also praised KATI and the wider business community for their contribution to Pakistan’s economy.
KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said the business community would stand alongside Afridi in his efforts to serve society.
He announced that KATI would initially cover the educational expenses of 30 children studying at Tee Square schools operated under the Shahid Afridi Foundation.
The initiative will gradually be expanded, according to Rajput.
He praised SAF’s efforts to provide healthcare, education, clean drinking water and sports opportunities in underserved communities.
Rajput also called for stronger cooperation between industrialists and welfare organisations. Such partnerships, he said, could create meaningful projects in education, healthcare, clean water and youth development.
“While the government must fulfil its responsibilities, the state, industry and social organisations must work together towards a common objective,” he said.
KATI Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed described the Shahid Afridi Foundation’s welfare work as commendable.
He said social development should not be viewed as the responsibility of governments and charities alone. Instead, society must share responsibility for supporting vulnerable communities.
“There are vast opportunities for cooperation between KATI and the Shahid Afridi Foundation,” Hameed said.
He said joint programmes could focus on education, healthcare, skills development, sports, clean water and youth welfare in Karachi’s industrial areas and surrounding communities.
Hameed noted that the industrial sector has resources, experience and administrative expertise. Meanwhile, SAF has extensive experience in welfare projects and public outreach.
“If these two strengths come together, we can move beyond traditional charity and develop an effective and sustainable model focused on empowerment,” he said.
Hameed added that KATI wanted to transform Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into Corporate Social Partnership, with a stronger focus on long-term cooperation and measurable social impact.
Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Gabol described Shahid Afridi as a national hero and highlighted the sporting potential of young people in Lyari.
He said a site for a cricket stadium was already available in the area. However, local youngsters need better guidance and professional training to develop their abilities.
Gabol said he would request Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to consider placing the Lyari cricket stadium under the management of the Shahid Afridi Foundation.
The proposal could give young players access to professional coaching and development opportunities. Consequently, talented athletes could have a better chance of representing Pakistan at national and international levels.
Former KATI President Junaid Naqi, SAF CEO Zafar Malik and Tee Square CEO Zainab Hameed also addressed the ceremony.
The partnership marks a broader effort to connect Pakistan’s industrial sector with welfare organisations. Both sides aim to develop sustainable projects that deliver direct benefits to communities.
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