Rawalakot, (Parliament Times) : Commissioner Poonch Division Chaudhry Mukhtar Hussain said that Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) not only assisted earthquake victims after the 2005 disaster but also took practical steps to help vulnerable people stand on their feet and rebuild destroyed schools.
He noted that international donors have immense trust in such NGOs, sending millions in aid, which is being effectively used to improve various sectors across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
“We must support institutions that genuinely feel the pain of the poor and work to reduce their suffering. This is a noble mission that deserves our full participation,” said the Commissioner.
“When I served as Deputy Commissioner of Kotli, I considered it my duty to fully support such organizations. Instead of labeling children as orphans, we should call them community children so that they can grow with confidence and dignity, free from feelings of inferiority.”
He expressed these views while addressing the HHRD Prize Distribution Ceremony attended by Deputy Commissioner Poonch Sardar Umar Farooq, Deputy Director Information Saadullah Khan, Director HHRD Pakistan Amjad Mahmood Amjad, Program Manager Imran Ashraf (Shelter Relief), Regional Manager AJK Muhammad Rasheed Khan, Regional Education Officer Muhammad Waqas Chughtai, and In-Charge Rawalakot Naseer Abbasi.
The Commissioner congratulated HHRD for completing 20 successful years of humanitarian and relief work across Pakistan and worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Sardar Umar Farooq paid tribute to HHRD for its countless services to the public.
It was highlighted that the mission, initiated after the devastating 2005 earthquake, has now become a beacon of hope across Pakistan’s four provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and over 80 countries worldwide.
The core mission of HHRD is to empower lives, create opportunities, and strengthen the spirit of compassion and service. Over the past two decades, more than 45 million people have been guided toward a better life through this platform.
Key achievements include:
Under the Emergency Relief and Disaster Management Program, over 10 million individuals received shelter, food, financial, and medical assistance.
Through Seasonal Projects such as Qurbani, Ramadan Food Packages, and Winter Relief, 4.8 million families were supported.
The Water for Life Program provided clean and safe drinking water to over 2 million people, completing more than 6,000 projects, including solar-powered systems, gravity flow schemes, hand pumps, and filtration plants.
The Orphan Support Program ensured the education, health, financial support, and emotional well-being of 122,000 orphaned children and their families.
The Education Support Program helped 340,000 students continue their education.
The Skills Development and Livelihood Program trained 80,000 youth and women, enabling them to earn respectable livelihoods.
The Youth Empowerment Program enlightened 25,000 young people on leadership and community service.
The In-Kind Gifts Program delivered essential items, clothing, and household goods to over 25 million beneficiaries.
The Healthcare and Nutrition Program benefited 1.6 million people, restoring the eyesight of 31,000 patients through cataract surgeries.
Through the Physical Rehabilitation Program, 122,000 individuals received artificial limbs and therapy.
The Children with Disabilities Program provided special education and rehabilitation opportunities to 13,000 children.
The Shelter Relief Program improved 104,000 lives, while the Model Village Initiative restored safety and dignity for 12,000 residents.
HHRD’s leadership stated that this two-decade journey has brought hope to millions.
> “True success lies in the happiness and progress of those we serve. We remain committed to expanding this mission of compassion and service.”
They extended heartfelt gratitude to all donors, volunteers, and well-wishers, affirming that the organization will continue serving humanity with dedication and sincerity in the years ahead.