Representing Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), headed by Programme Advisor Abdullah Dayo, over 20 leaders from around twenty countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and USA came together here at Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) Head Office. During his welcome remarks, Managing Director PBM, Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt, acknowledged with great appreciation the visit of the esteemed delegation to Pakistan’s prominent social protection institution. On the occasion, Director General of PBM’s Projects, Prof. Dr. Zeeshan Danish spotlighted the organization’s enduring social protection missions, in a comprehensive presentation.
Capt. Shaheen, while encapsulating the PBM’s major achievements during last one year, shared the specific goals set ahead for the betterment of vulnerable populace of the country. Terming the Cochlear Implants as a signature initiative, he communicated that we have accepted the challenge of turning silence into speech for children born with hearing loss, by providing them an expensive life-changing Cochlear Implant of over Rs.2.5 million. “So far, we have accomplished the responsibility of sponsoring around 2,500 Cochlear Implant surgeries and follow-up speech therapy sessions, extending the gift of hearing, communication and hope to the underprivileged children”, he added. Responding to a question of the participant, he said that in align with the vision of Federal Government, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PBM is determined to address the multifarious issues linked with poverty, serving the poorest of the poor irrespective of their gender, religion, cast or creed and political belief. Managing Director PBM also appreciated the FES to devising inclusive policies to foster sustainable development and social inclusion.
The FES guests also engaged directly with beneficiaries in PBM’s Facilitation Centre, gaining first-hand insight into the impact of ongoing poverty-alleviation efforts. The delegation expressed appreciation for the organization’s evidence-based, community-driven approach, reaffirming Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s commitment to supporting social justice.
