Overview & Major Programs
Al-Zohra Welfare Association is a non-profit organization serving underprivileged women and families in Karachi since 1991. Registered under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance 1961, the association was founded with the aim of empowering women, supporting vulnerable households, and providing education and welfare assistance to those in need.
The organization started from a small rented space in Punjab Colony, where initial efforts focused on ration distribution, basic health support, and free tuition for children. Over the last 34 years, Al-Zohra has grown into a well-established welfare institution. Today, it operates from its own six-storey building in Punjab Colony and is expanding with a new campus in Hijrat Colony. The association currently supports around 200 Zakat-eligible women and their families, reaching nearly 800 individuals every month.
Welfare Support Programs:
A key initiative is the Ration Distribution Program, active in more than 32 low-income areas of Karachi including Baldia, Korangi, Orangi, Landhi, Malir, Kemari, Hijrat Colony etc, and surrounding settlements. Zakat-eligible beneficiaries are carefully selected through interviews and home verification, with priority given to widows, elderly women living alone, single mothers, and families affected by illness or disability. Monthly ration packs include essential food items such as flour, rice, ghee, sugar, tea, lentils, and milk, along with seasonal support like quilts and clothing.
Al-Zohra also provides Wedding Welfare Program for Zakat-eligible families by supporting them with basic household and marriage essentials after proper verification.
In special cases, Cash Assistance is provided to elderly women unable to carry ration supplies, for burial support, and for students needing help with educational fees.
- Ration Pack (Zakat or Non-Zakat Support)
One ration pack per month – $18 / PKR 5,000
Support for whole year (12 months) – $214 / PKR 60,000
- Wedding Pack (Zakat or Non-Zakat Support)
Support one wedding pack – $107 / PKR 30,000
Education & Vocational Training:
Al-Zohra believes education is the strongest tool for long-term change. Its Al-Zohra Secondary School offers affordable quality education from Pre-Nursery to Grade 10, with consistently good board results. The school provides modern learning support through computer labs, science labs, Rosetta Stone English learning software, video-based lessons, and a library with over 6,300 books. Scholarships are offered on merit and need basis, especially for orphans.
The Vocational Training Centre, established in 1998 and registered with STEVTA, provides short-term skill courses in sewing, computer training, English language, beautician work, and fitness programs. Over 10,000 women have been trained till 2024, enabling them to earn independently.
- Teacher Salary Sponsorship
Sponsor one teacher’s salary for one month – $54 / PKR 15,000
- Student Support
Sponsor one student for one year – $107 / PKR 30,000
Conclusion
Through its welfare services, education system Secondary and vocational training programs, Al-Zohra Welfare Association continues to uplift deserving women and families in Karachi, ensuring dignity, support, and empowerment for those most in need.
