rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), October 9: Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) marked 21 years of humanitarian service with a ceremony at its Akhter Abad complex, paying tribute to victims of the October 8, 2005 earthquake and highlighting its work for orphaned and underprivileged children.
Former adviser to US President Donald Trump and KORT’s first ambassador in the United States, Sajid Tarar, attended as chief guest. Other participants included Sardar Zarif Khan, permanent representative to the United Nations in New York for the Pakistan Council for Social Welfare and Human Rights, and prominent business and social figure Akram Butt.
KORT Founder and Chief Executive Chaudhry Muhammad Akhtar recalled the devastating earthquake that left thousands of families shattered and children without parental care. He said the organisation was established to provide orphaned children with education, care, proper upbringing and opportunities for a dignified future.
Akhtar announced that KORT’s modern hospital under construction at Jatlan would involve an estimated investment of Rs12.5 billion. The project aims to provide quality healthcare, particularly to poor and deserving people, ensuring financial difficulties do not prevent access to essential treatment.
Sajid Tarar praised KORT for transforming children’s lives through education, care and confidence. He reaffirmed the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora’s commitment to supporting the organisation’s humanitarian work.
Speakers highlighted KORT’s continued focus on education, healthcare, accommodation and personal development, helping children become confident, independent and responsible members of society.
Children associated with KORT presented performances highlighting education, healthcare, human rights, equality, compassion and brotherhood. Cultural presentations, folk songs and tableaux also showcased Kashmiri traditions and the struggles and sacrifices of people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceremony was attended by former AJK Chief Justice Justice (retired) Azam Khan, Mirpur Division Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan, Supreme Court Bar Association President Raja Fayyaz Haider Nawabi, Deputy Commissioner Mirpur Syed Imran Abbas Naqvi, SSP Khurram Iqbal and representatives of the legal, media and social sectors.
The event concluded with special prayers for the victims of the October 8, 2005 earthquake, affected families and children under KORT’s care.
KORT Marks 21 Years of Service Announces Rs12.5 Billion Hospital
