Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) brought smiles to orphaned children in Islamabad by hosting a heartwarming Iftar dinner, followed by the distribution of Eid gifts.
The event, organized by the Turkish aid agency, aimed to spread joy and make the Eid celebration special for the children, offering them not just food, but a memorable experience of warmth and care.
Eid Gifts for Children
The event, held in honor of World Orphans Day, brought together 200 orphaned children in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The special event, held to celebrate the essence of giving during Ramadan, included the distribution of thoughtful gift packages to the children along with the iftar meal. Each child received a set of Eid clothes and stationery, ensuring they could partake in the joy of the upcoming holiday. TİKA’s generous gesture brought smiles to the faces of the children, reminding them of the importance of sharing and community.
The event served as a beautiful reminder of the enduring friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan, a bond built on shared values of compassion, generosity, and mutual support for the underprivileged.
TİKA shares the abundance of Ramadan in Pakistan
In her address at the event, Saliha Tuna, TİKA Islamabad Coordinator, emphasized the significance of Ramadan as a time for solidarity, sharing, and unity. She spoke directly to the children, reassuring them that they are not alone in their journey:
“Today, we are not only gathering for an iftar meal but also to make our beloved children feel how precious and special they are. Dear children, you are the future scientists, teachers, artists, and leaders. Know that in Türkiye, there is a friendly nation that cares about you and wants to see you succeed. We are here as representatives of the Turkish people’s love and friendship for you.”
Tuna further motivated the children by encouraging them to dream big and aim for greatness. “Perhaps one of you will make an invention that changes the world or inspire future generations as a teacher,” she said, drawing a parallel with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was also an orphan but became a beacon of hope for humanity.
The iftar event was attended by officials from Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, representatives from Turkish institutions in Pakistan, and Turkish university students. The program also highlighted the strong and growing partnership between TİKA and local organizations, including Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, which manages welfare programs for orphans and underprivileged children across Pakistan.
Shaheen Khalid Butt, Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, expressed deep gratitude to TİKA for its long-standing partnership and the continued support provided to the organization’s efforts to improve the lives of the underprivileged.
TIKA hosts 300-person iftar program in Karachi
Separately, TİKA Karachi organized a 300-person iftar program at the Consulate General of Türkiye in Karachi. The event brought together orphaned and differently-abled children from 20 different NGOs across the city.
The program was attended by notable figures, including the Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, along with public officials, NGO representatives, academics, and philanthropists. Following the iftar meal, Eid gift bags were distributed to the children, ensuring they felt the warmth of the season.
TİKA’s activities in both cities reflect a shared mission to uplift vulnerable communities during Ramadan, highlighting the importance of unity, solidarity, and compassion.
TİKA’s broader Ramadan initiative
As part of its Ramadan initiatives, TİKA has committed to distributing a total of 3,000 food packages to families in need across Pakistan, underscoring its role as a humanitarian agency committed to strengthening the bond of brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Tuna also acknowledged the contributions of Turkish Education Attaché Mehmet Toyran and Religious Affairs Counselor Abdul Rahman Akos, who attended the event and presented the children with gifts. She extended heartfelt thanks to Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Al Khidmat Foundation for their collaborative efforts in organizing the event, and to the Turkish university students who served as elder siblings to the children.
This story was updated on March 22, 2025, to accommodate the updates from Karachi