Coordinated Relief Effort in Flood-Hit Areas
Pakistani singer and philanthropist Hadiqa Kiani recently spearheaded a large-scale flood relief operation in South Punjab, in collaboration with the Al-Khidmat Foundation. The mission focused on providing essential supplies to families severely impacted by recent flooding, which has devastated large swathes of the province.
Under the initiative, 1,000 affected families in Jalalpur Pirwala and Shujaabad received vital assistance. 600 families were aided in Jalalpur Pirwala, while 400 families benefited in Shujaabad. The distribution included dry ration, bedding, quilts, water coolers, mosquito nets, mats, kitchenware, and other household essentials. Additionally, 500 children received specially prepared packages containing stationery, toys, and gifts.
Engaging with Local Communities
During her visit, Hadiqa Kiani met with local women and children to better understand their ongoing struggles. She described the floods as a major human tragedy, emphasizing that their impact is still being felt in affected communities.
Kiani praised the Al-Khidmat Foundation for its organized and efficient relief efforts and called for the establishment of Disaster Management Centers in vulnerable areas. She highlighted that such centers could significantly improve preparedness and response during future natural disasters, reducing the hardships faced by affected families.
Support from Al-Khidmat and Local Leaders
The relief event saw participation from key figures, including Sayed Abdul Qadir, President of Al-Khidmat Multan, Shuaib Hashmi, Senior Manager of Media Relations, Adeel Kareem Bhatti, President of Jalalpur Pirwala, and Dr. Zeeshan Hassan Vines, President of Shujaabad. The event also drew a large number of volunteers, local leaders, and residents from flood-hit areas.
Al-Khidmat Foundation representatives stressed that their work goes beyond immediate relief. They assured the public that the organization is committed to long-term rehabilitation of affected families. Plans are already underway to launch a farmers’ recovery program, aiming to restore local livelihoods and revitalize the regional economy.
Visiting Bhupatwala: A Message of Hope
Following the initial distribution, Hadiqa Kiani visited Basti Bhupatwala, where she expressed solidarity with residents still grappling with flood damage. Addressing local youth and children, she encouraged them to participate in programs like Bano Qabil, which focus on skill development and education. Kiani emphasized that learning new skills could empower them to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Relief Efforts as a Social Statement
This relief mission not only provided immediate assistance but also carried a broader social message. By joining forces, artists and social organizations can effectively confront large-scale challenges and mobilize communities in times of crisis.
The devastating floods in South Punjab are part of a larger pattern of climate-related disasters in Pakistan, which have affected millions nationwide in recent years. According to official estimates, floods in 2022 alone displaced over 33 million people, highlighting the urgent need for both short-term relief and long-term disaster preparedness.
Kiani’s initiative underscores how coordinated efforts between public figures and humanitarian organizations can play a crucial role in alleviating suffering and promoting resilience.
