PPAF completes ten years of establishment

Aug 5, 2009

“This is one of our pioneer organizations. What it has done in the field of microfinance and social sector is outstanding, what it has done for the life of poor people is commendable”. This was stated by Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Minister for Finance who was the Chief Guest on the ceremony marking ten years of PPAF establishment. Also present on the occasion were Chairman PPAF, Mr. Hussain Dawood, CEO/MD PPAF, Mr. Kamal Hyat, foreign delegates, PPAF partner organizations and representatives from several leading civil society organizations.

The day-long event comprised speeches, a cultural exhibition and a thought provoking theatrical performance by representatives of PPAF community organizations.

Speaking on the first session of the day, Mr. Hussain Dawood and Mr. Kamal Hyat, thanked the government of Pakistan, the World Bank, donor agencies and general body of civil society for making PPAF a success. Lauding the role of community members Mr. Kamal Hyat said that these are the people who represent Pakistan and are the real strength, the life and soul of the country.

The session ended with distribution of shields and gift hampers among five outstanding beneficiaries from PPAF communities. They were selected on the basis of their outstanding performance in making the best use of assistance provided by PPAF partner organizations and thus breaking shackles of poverty.

The second session “Community-Driven Development” was chaired by Mr. Praful C. Patel, former Vice President, The World Bank. The session included presentations by Mr. Ahmad Jamal, Chief Strategy Officer, PPAF, Dr. Rashid Bajwa, Chief Executive, NRSP and Mr. Kamran Azim, Chief Operating Officer, Kashf Foundation.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Praful Patel said the community-driven development means giving access to voice and information, a greater social inclusion, greater accountability and greater organizational strength. He said the community driven approach employed by the PPAF is a winning model, it has proved successful over the time and has worked very well at the grassroots level.

The third session “Emergency Response & Disaster Management” was chaired by Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed, Chairman, Special Support Group. This session also included presentation by Mr. Kamran Akbar, Chief Operating Officer PPAF.

During his address Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed spoke extensively on disasters management with a special focus on PPAF efforts in rehabilitation and reconstruction work following the October 8, 2005 earthquake. He also talked in detail about the facilitative role played by PPAF in providing assistance in the recent IDP crisis. He appreciated PPAF expertise in mobilizing the communities that has helped achieving sustainable results.

An exclusive exhibition of stalls at the venue depicting culture and handicrafts of four provinces of Pakistan and that of Azad Jammu & Kashmir attracted a large number of guests especially the foreign delegates. They appreciated the skill and hardwork of the community members who had come from far various parts of the country to participate in the event.

The event ended with a grand theatrical performance by members of PPAF community organizations. The performance highlighted the power of social mobilization and the wonders it can bring to the lives of underprivileged.