Faiz Al-Najdi RIYADH — Zamarrud Khan, a former lawmaker from Rawalpindi in Pakistan who shot to fame after he helped overpower a terrorist in Islamabad, has now made charity his mission. He has dedicated his self to running orphanages called "Pakistan Sweet Homes (PSH)" in 28 locations in Pakistan.
Khan, who came to perform Haj this year, set up camps to extend help and assistance to Pakistani pilgrims from Pakistan. With the help of 1,200 volunteers from Jeddah and Riyadh and 700 wheelchairs, Khan dedicated his time to the service of pilgrims for five days. He had extended the same services last year also. Khan addressed a large gathering in Pakistan by giving a presentation on "Pakistan Sweet Homes" project, also known as PSH project. During his address he informed that he conceived his PSH Project in 2009 right after the evacuation and displacement of people preceding military operations against the occupying Talibans in Swat-Malakand regions. “I was very saddened to see the plight and misery of the displaced people of Swat-Malakand whose homes were destroyed and many children became orphans there. "At that time I immediately thought of starting a project to extend help to these orphans and I immediately launched this PSH Project in Islamabad," he said. What began as a small set up in Islamabad has expanded considerably. " I am very happy and proud that I am receiving support and appreciation from all quarters. All political parties are on board with me and my project and I am very happy," he said. According to Khan, all basic needs are provided to orphans until they graduate. He made it clear that he was not here to seek funds or donations. “Many people come seeking for funds and donations. I am here to motivate and persuade you to sponsor an orphan child and hence become his benefactor until such time that he is able to stand on his own feet," he said. To sponsor one child in Pakistan would cost Rs10,000 per month. "Those who are interested to sponsor any orphan child should understand that this would be an agreement between him and God. He would be free to disassociate from this project at any time should he feel that his expectations are not being met at PSH Project," he said. He asked the attendees to visit PSH sites and meet the orphans and see the facilities provided by them. The event was conducted from the platform of Pakistan Peoples Party Riyadh region. The event was conducted by General Secretary Rana Khalid. Those who spoke on the occasion and pledged their supports for PSH Project were Faiz, Pakistan Writers Club; Aziz Khan, MQM; Mohammad Tanveer, Pakistan International School-Sulaimaniyah; Rana Rauf, Majlis Pakistan; Mohammad Ataullah; Choudhry Khalid Mahmood, Pakistan Investors Forum; Zahoor Ul Hasan, ANP; Mumtaz Khan, investor; Faisal Alvi, Maktaba Darussalam; Aziz Ur Rehman, JUI-F; and Abdul Karim Khan, PPP. A medal of appreciation was presented to Khan by Younus Abu Ghalib and Javed Akhter Javed of Halqa Ahbab-e-Ghalib. Memento shields were presented to Khan by Raja Zulfiqar and PPP Riyadh region. Fayyaz Khan, president PPP Riyadh region, thanked all those who attended the event and expressed their support and pledge for PSH Project of Khan. The program concluded with a sumptuous dinner.
