KORT marks 21 years of humanitarian service; announces Rs12.5 billion hospital project;
MIRPUR : Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) marked 21 years of humanitarian service with a ceremony at its Akhter Abad complex, paying tribute to the victims of the October 8, 2005 earthquake and highlighting its two-decade-long efforts to support orphaned and underprivileged children through education, care and rehabilitation.
Former adviser to US President Donald Trump and KORT’s first ambassador in the United States, Sajid Tarar, was the chief guest. Sardar Zarif Khan, permanent representative to the United Nations in New York for the Pakistan Council for Social Welfare and Human Rights,
prominent business and social figure Akram Butt and other overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri community representatives also attended the even
KORT Founder and Chief Executive Chaudhry Muhammad Akhtar, addressing the gathering, recalled the devastating earthquake that left thousands of families shattered and countless children deprived of parental care.
He said the organisation was established out of a commitment to ensure that children orphaned by the disaster would not be left at the mercy of circumstances but would receive education, proper upbringing, care and opportunities for a dignified future.
Highlighting KORT’s broader humanitarian mission, Akhtar announced that a modern hospital being constructed by the organisation at Jatlan would involve an estimated investment of Rs12.5 billion.
He said the project aimed to provide quality healthcare, particularly to poor and deserving people, ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent anyone from accessing essential medical treatment. He added that KORT’s mission extended beyond supporting orphans to serving vulnerable segments of society deprived of basic facilities.
Paying tribute to KORT’s 21-year journey, Sajid Tarar said the organisation had transformed the lives of orphaned and deserving children by providing them with education, care and self-confidence.
He reaffirmed the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora’s commitment to continuing its support for the institution, saying its work represented a lasting example of humanitarian service transcending geographical boundaries.
The speakers said KORT had maintained its commitment to the long-term welfare of orphaned children through education, healthcare, accommodation and personal development rather than limiting its role to temporary relief.
They noted that the organisation’s efforts had helped children develop confidence, independence and the capacity to become responsible and dignified members of society.
Children associated with KORT presented colourful and meaningful performances highlighting humanitarian service, the importance of education, healthcare, human rights, equality, compassion and brotherhood. Cultural presentations, folk songs and tableaux also highlighted Kashmiri traditions and the struggle and sacrifices of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Participants appreciated the children’s performances and encouraged their talents.
The ceremony was attended by former AJK Chief Justice (retired) Justice 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, Journalists. lawyers, local representatives, social workers, philanthropists, volunteers, teachers, students and members of civil society.
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The event concluded with special prayers for the departed souls of the October 8, 2005 earthquake victims, seeking forgiveness and elevation of their ranks, alongside prayers for affected families and children under KORT’s care.
