KARACHI: The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) and the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives in healthcare, education, provision of clean drinking water, and vocational training for young people. The MoU was signed by KATI senior vice president Zahid Hameed and Shahid Afridi Foundation CEO Zafar Malik in the presence of KATI president Muhammad Ikram Rajput and cricket legend Shahid Afridi. The signing ceremony was also attended by, among others, KATI president Muhammad Ikram Rajput and Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Gabol. On the occasion, members of the business community donated more than Rs30 million to the Shahid Afridi Foundation to support its welfare initiatives. Addressing the ceremony, Shahid Afridi said that Pakistan and its people had given him immense love, respect and honour, for which he remained deeply grateful. He said he had a particularly strong connection with Karachi because the city possessed tremendous talent. Afridi said his journey in philanthropy began with a hospital project following the death of his father and had gradually expanded to remote and underserved areas across Pakistan. Afridi also praised KATI for its role in the national economy. KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said KATI and Karachi’s business community stood shoulder to shoulder with Afridi in his mission of serving humanity. Rajput said that KATI would initially meet the educational expenses of 30 children studying at Shahid Afridi Foundation’s Tee Square schools. The KATI president stressed the need to establish a strong and effective partnership between the industrial community and the Foundation. “While the government must fulfil its responsibilities, the state, industry and social organisations must work together towards a common objective to accelerate the country’s social and economic development, ” he said. KATI senior vice president Zahid Hameed said the social and welfare initiatives taken by the Shahid Afridi Foundation were commendable and worthy of emulation. “There are vast opportunities for cooperation between KATI and the Shahid Afridi Foundation, ” Hameed said. He said that KATI wanted to transform the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into Corporate Social Partnership, with greater emphasis on long-term collaboration and measurable social impact. “On behalf of KATI, I assure you [Shahid Afridi] that we are ready to support transparent, practical and sustainable welfare projects whose benefits reach the public directly, particularly our younger generation, ” he said. Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Gabol said Shahid Afridi was a national hero and highlighted the immense talent of young people in Lyari. He said a site for a cricket stadium was already available in Lyari, while local youth possessed considerable talent and potential but lacked proper guidance and training. Gabol said he would request Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to have the Lyari cricket stadium operated under the Shahid Afridi Foundation, enabling young people to receive professional training and opportunities to develop their talent. Former KATI president Junaid Naqi, Shahid Afridi Foundation CEO Zafar Malik and Tee Square CEO Zainab Hameed also expressed their views during the ceremony. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Business community donates over Rs30m to Shahid Afridi Foundation
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