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Many people have dedicated their lives to serving humanity from Abdul Sattar Edhi, Rizwan Chippa and Sarim Burney by setting up their renowned welfare organizations.
Among them is the young and energetic social activist Zafar Abbas who set up the Jafaria Disaster Cell, a Karachi-based civil society organization, commonly known as JDC Welfare Organization in 2009.
JDC has dedicated itself to serving humanity not just in Karachi but also across Sindh. It aims to provide assistance to all people without any discrimination. From disaster relief, first aid, food rations, education to coronavirus treatment, Zafar Abbas has been at the forefront in numerous welfare and development initiatives.
We speak to him to understand what led to setting up the JDC Welfare Organization when there are several other well-known NGOs serving Karachi.
MM News: Why did you set up JDC Welfare Organization and what are its main aims and objectives?
Zafar Abbas: During the 2009-10 floods, there was insufficient welfare work being carried out in many parts of interior Sindh such as Dadu and Badin that were completely devastated by the floods.
In those days, several like-minded youth including myself donated food, clothes, and medicines in the affected areas. We set up camps, sprayed insecticides, provided meals and medicines. In this way, we started serving humanity and continued our mission which led to setting up my organization.
MM News: What effect did the assassination of founder member Sibte Jaafar Zaidi have on your organization?
Zafar Abbas: Not just Sibte Jafar Zaidi but the head of our education section Malana Taqi Abidi and later four of our ambulance drivers and volunteers were martyred.
This continued for a long time but has not derailed our resolve to serve humanity. We have continued our activities despite all odds against us.
MM News: Do you intend to step foot into politics in the near future?
Zafar Abbas: No, I have no intention to take part in politics in the near future. I will continue serving humanity which is my main mission. We consider it a religious duty and will continue to do so.
MM News: How did you manage to set a low rate of Rs2500 per share for joint sacrifices on Eid-ul-Azha?
Zafar Abbas: We set up a minimal rate of Rs2500 per share so everyone can participate in joint animal sacrifices. After the sacrifices, the meat was distributed not just in Karachi but even in other parts of Sindh as well.
MM News: Will the free coronavirus hospital that you set up in collaboration with Hussain Lakhani Trust be able to compete with large private hospitals?
Zafar Abbas: This hospital has all the required facilities like any other large private hospital such as ventilators, medicines, medical equipment, and machinery. With the grace of Al-Mighty Allah and the generous contributions of philanthropists, we are providing free treatment for coronavirus.
MM News: Does the JDC Foundation provide monthly food rations or financial assistance?
Zafar Abbas: Not only do we provide monthly food rations, but we also arrange weddings for girls belonging to underprivileged families. We also send children to school, pay fees and arrange scholarships for them.
Anyone who wants to receive any assistance will have to send an application with complete details, which will be evaluated and the funds will be provided.
MM News: What was the main purpose of the campaign to clean garbage from streets, roads in Karachi?
Zafar Abbas: Our aim was not to clean the whole city rather we started the campaign as a protest. We have been gradually cleaning various parts of Karachi so that the higher-ups realize their responsibilities.
When doctors, engineers, students and volunteers as part of an NGO can clean the city, then why are our institutions not fulfilling their duties?
Three years ago, we started a similar cleanliness campaign with Junaid Jamshed and received a favourable response. Still, our main aim is that our leaders should realize their responsibilities.
