
12/08/2025
60 Years of Contribution and Legacy of Caritas Pakistan
By Ayaz Morris
I have always loved to explore and learn about institutions, their roles, and contributions to the community and society. A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to visit the Caritas Pakistan National Secretariat (Head Office) in Lahore, where I was warmly welcomed by its Executive Director, Mr. Amjad Gulzar. He graciously briefed me about the organization’s mission, departments, and its remarkable contributions to both the Church and the wider community.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Gulzar for Master TV . In the interview, he shared that Caritas is a Latin word meaning “I care for you.” The first Caritas organization was founded in 1897 in Freiburg, Germany, by a Catholic priest. After World War II, in 1947, Caritas organizations across Europe began coordinating internationally. In 1951, Caritas Internationalis was officially founded in Rome as the global network of Catholic humanitarian and development organizations.
Caritas Pakistan began its journey in 1965, during the era of the Second Vatican Council, when Pope Paul VI sent a token of love and support to Pakistan through Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro during the Indo-Pak war. That small gesture laid the foundation for what would become a formidable humanitarian movement, rooted in compassion, care, and unity.
I have also come to know that Caritas Pakistan has also played a crucial role in disaster response across the country since its establishment by providing life-saving support. Some major crises included 2005 earthquake, 2010 and 2022 floods, COVID-19 pandemic, and many other natural and manmade disasters. The organization swiftly mobilizes resources to deliver emergency relief such as shelter, food, clean water, medical aid and follows up with rehabilitation and long-term recovery initiatives, ensuring affected community rebuilding with dignity and resilience.
What initially started as a relief organization in the wake of disasters has significantly evolved over the decades into a comprehensive development organization. Today, Caritas Pakistan is actively engaged in various sectors, including disaster management, community development, empowerment, human development, environmental sustainability, WASH, Livelihood, Food Security and Agriculture, and Non-Formal Education.
In 2024, Caritas Pakistan marked a new milestone by launching its determined “Caritas Plantation Campaign 2024–2027,” (Plantation for life) a continuation and expansion of its environmental sustainability initiatives. Building on earlier successes, including the landmark campaigns of planting one million trees and later one million more, this new initiative aims to promote ecological balance and climate resilience across Pakistan.
Recognizing the transformative power of education, Caritas Pakistan has also established over Seventy (70) Caritas Community Schools in underserved areas, providing access to quality, values based education for children who might otherwise be left behind especially children of brick line workers and children dropped out from their schools. Caritas Community Schools serve not only as learning centers but also as safe spaces where children can grow, learn, and thrive. To further promote child participation, Children’s Assemblies and Festivals are organized regularly, offering platforms for children to express themselves, share their ideas, and participate in cultural and social activities.
To support these efforts, Caritas Pakistan has established seven diocesan offices across the country, ensuring a widespread and identified presence to better serve diverse communities. Additionally, a provincial office has been set up in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), to enhance regional outreach, especially in areas most affected by socio-economic challenges and climate issues. A Liaison Office in Islamabad strengthens the organization’s networking capabilities with government departments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Since the 1980s, Caritas Pakistan has been actively engaged in social mobilization and grassrootsanimation processes across the country. These efforts have focused on empowering local communities through integrated human development initiatives aimed at long-term, sustainable change. By working closely with grassroots populations, Caritas has promoted community participation, self-reliance, and capacity building, laying the foundation for effective community development throughout Pakistan.
In the area of food security and smallholder agriculture, Caritas Pakistan has been actively supporting small-scale farmers since the 1980s. These efforts have focused on improving livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices. Special attention has been given to empowering women farmers, particularly those from marginalized communities, by creating opportunities for income generation and leadership within their communities. Women’s empowerment is a key component emphasized throughout Caritas Pakistan’s agricultural initiatives.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Caritas Pakistan is actively networking with government departments at the federal, provincial, and district levels. This strategic engagement aims to align its programs with national development goals, access resources, and amplify impact through coordinated efforts.
In addition to its core sectors, Caritas Pakistan has placed a strong emphasis on empowering youth and children as part of its long-term development vision. One of the flagship initiatives in this regard is the National Community Development Course (NCDC), which equips young leaders with essential skills in leadership, community mobilization, volunteerism, and sustainable development.
On the organizational front, Caritas Pakistan holds Annual Staff and Volunteer Conventions that bring together personnel from across the country to celebrate achievements, share experiences, and build capacity. These conventions not only enhance professional skills but also foster a spirit of unity and collective vision among staff and volunteers, which is vital for sustainable impact.
Mr. Gulzar acknowledged that while the journey hasn’t been without challenges, from operational constraints to evolving societal needs, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment. Over the years, Caritas Pakistan has been working diligently to modernize its infrastructure, upgrade its programs, and deepen its engagement with local communities. Its leadership is determined to ensure the organization not only retains its historical legacy but also adapts to the dynamic realities of 21st-century Pakistan.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the diocesan and national teams, Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (PCBC), Community Partners, Field Staff, Volunteers, Collaborators, and well-wishers who have supported Caritas Pakistan over the decades. Looking ahead, Mr. Gulzar emphasized that the organization is focused on aligning its vision with the pressing needs of society, ranging from climate action and environmental sustainability to social cohesion and disaster preparedness.
He highlighted that Caritas Pakistan endeavors to remain a reliable, compassionate, and innovative organization that can continue to serve effectively in the ever-changing landscape of Pakistan and beyond.He also shared that the long and rich history of Caritas Pakistan cannot be summarized in a brief interview, and that it would take more time to properly discuss the organization’s many achievements and impactful results.
As Caritas Pakistan celebrates more than six decades of steadfast service, its story remains one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to humanity. From humble beginnings as a development organization, it has grown into a pivotal institution fostering development and hope across Pakistan.
Caritas Pakistan Karachi
Caritas Pakistan Lahore
Caritas
Mansha Noor