Dh110,000 raised to help Pakistani children in UAE maintain their education

More than 250 people turned up at Fast for a Cause iftar event, organised by Pakistan Youth Forum, to raise funds for Pakistani families that are struggling to pay school fees.

DUBAI // Pakistanis in the UAE have raised more than Dh110,000 to support the education of children from their homeland living here.

More than 250 people attended the Fast for a Cause iftar event, organised by the Pakistan Youth Forum, the youth wing of the Pakistan Association Dubai (Pad).

The money raised from table fees and other contributions from individuals will be used to clear the school fees of ­Pakistani pupils who are not in a position to pay them.

According to the association, about 20 children who have not been able to pay their school fees will benefit.

Asif Durrani, Pakistani ambassador to the UAE, was the guest of honour at the iftar on Sunday.

He said it was heartening to see the community step forward to fund the education of needy children.

“It’s a pleasure to see so many individuals and families come together for such a noble cause.”

Dr Zia Ul Hasan, the Pad president, said: “We feel it is our ­responsibility towards these students to help them in whatever way we can.”

Irfan Mustafa, a leading member of the Pakistani community, was one of the largest donors on the night.

"We hear lots of painful stories about how our children are not getting an education, which is their basic right," said the managing director of Yum! Restaurants International.

“I feel privileged members of the community should come forward to ensure that financial challenges do not come in the way of education.”

Mr Mustafa said it was the primary responsibility of the Pakistan government and its mission in the UAE to make sure that not a single child was deprived of education.

An arts and crafts bazaar was also set up at the iftar, where creations designed by pupils were on sale.

Money raised from their sale also went towards the cause.