Rawalpindi ,(Parliament Times): To commemorate World Orphan Day, observed across the Islamic world on the 15th of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, an impressive and well attended ceremony followed by a grand Iftar Dinner for 350 inmates of Apna Ghar of AFI hosted by the Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRCS) was held at the Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam (AFI) Faizabad Markaz, Murree Road, Rawalpindi here on the other day.
The Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Mrs. Farzana Naik was present on the occasion as the Chief Guest, while the Guest of Honor was TRCS Head of Delegation, Ms. Beyza Taner. Other distinguished participants included AFI President Prof. Dr. Riaz Ahmed, Vice President Lt. Col. (R) Mian Jamil Athar, General Secretary Group Captain (R) Pervez Akhtar, and senior officials from both Red Crescent societies coupled with 350 orphans residing in APNA GHAR of AFI.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Farzana Naik highlighted the profound Islamic teachings regarding the care and upbringing of orphans. She lauded the exemplary services of Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam, stating that protecting children from a sense of deprivation and feeding them with honor is a fundamental religious duty. In an inspiring gesture, she invited the children to join the PRCS after completing their education to serve the nation as professional humanitarians. She specifically praised the Turkish Red Crescent Society for their practical and heartwarming gesture of hosting this dinner, noting it as a beautiful way to observe the orphan day and strengthen the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.
In his briefing on the institution’s historic legacy, AFI President Prof. Dr. Riaz Ahmed revealed that Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam was founded in 1943, four years before the creation of Pakistan at the personal behest of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Reflecting on the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, Prof. Dr. Riaz Ahmed shared that he has visited Türkiye ten times, describing the Pak-Turk relationship as “time-tested” and anchored in mutual respect. He noted that the Turkish Red Crescent Society traditionally hosts this Iftar dinner every 15th of Ramadan for the orphans of AFI, symbolizing the enduring brotherhood between the two nations.
TRCS Head of Delegation Ms. Beyza Taner expressed her deep admiration for AFI’s mission. In a moving gesture of solidarity, she visited the children at their dining tables to encourage them, telling them they are the future of Pakistan and should never feel alone. The event concluded with AFI Vice President Mian Jamil Athar thanking the Turkish Red Crescent members for their unwavering support, followed by a special prayer led by Qari Ghulam Farooq for the collective welfare of the Muslim Ummah.