Int Foundation For Overseas Pakistani's

05/06/2026

🌙✨ Eid Memories, Friendship & Fellowship ✨🌙

Our Over 60s gathering at Chai Centre was a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter, conversation, and shared memories as we came together to celebrate Eid.

We were honoured to be joined by the Mayor of Burnley, Cllr Chawdhery Saeed, alongside Indus Healty Network Chairperson Ishtiaq Mir and Director Ibrahim Jamali, whose presence added to the significance of the occasion and demonstrated their continued support for community wellbeing and inclusion.

Around the table, stories from years gone by were exchanged, friendships were strengthened, and new connections were made. From enjoying delicious food and fresh fruit to reminiscing about past Eids and community experiences, the gathering reminded us of the importance of companionship and belonging at every stage of life.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. These moments of togetherness are what make our community special.

Here’s to many more afternoons of friendship, reflection, and celebration. 💙

28/05/2026

Pride of Pakistan - Dr A Q Khan

18/05/2026

Weekly over-60s activities at the Chai Centre continue to provide a warm and welcoming space for our elders — helping to address loneliness, anxiety, and mental health through companionship, healthy activities, and community connection. 🌿

Participants enjoyed freshly prepared food, healthy fruits, and meaningful social interaction while also being linked with wider support services available at the Chai Centre. These regular gatherings play an important role in improving wellbeing, building friendships, and creating a sense of belonging within the community.

A special appreciation to Hasan Sidat, Operational Manager, who kindly volunteered his time to help prepare and serve food for participants. His dedication and hands-on support truly reflect the spirit of community service and care. 🍉🍓🍊

IFFOP remains committed to supporting older members of our community through positive engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and access to essential support services.

📍 Learn more at IFFOP

09/05/2026

24/04/2026

Every Friday after prayers, something truly special happens at Chai Centre ❤️

Our over-60s community, brought together by the International Foundation for Overseas Pakistanis, gathers for a warm and welcoming get-together filled with good food, meaningful conversations, and heartfelt connections.

These sessions are more than just a meal — they are a space to ease loneliness, support one another through anxiety and stress, and relive cherished memories from the past. Laughter, stories, and companionship remind us all that no one has to feel alone.

We are honored to serve and spend time with our elders, learning from their wisdom and ensuring they feel valued, heard, and connected.

If you know someone who could benefit from this gathering, we welcome them with open arms. 🤝

11/04/2026

🌐 Pakistan’s Continuing Role in Global Diplomacy

The Information Forum for Overseas Pakistanis (IFFOP UK) notes Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue at a critical moment in international relations.

Recent high-level engagement in Islamabad — involving senior representation and over 70 delegates — highlights Pakistan’s capacity to support diplomatic engagement and de-escalation.

This aligns with an established historical precedent:

It is well-documented that Pakistan played a critical facilitating role in the secret 1971 visit of U.S. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to Beijing, which led to President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit — a development that reshaped global geopolitical dynamics.

Pakistan’s continued ability to act as a bridge between nations remains significant in today’s complex international environment.

IFFOP UK remains committed to promoting informed, balanced perspectives relevant to overseas Pakistanis.

08/04/2026

🇵🇰 Proud Moment for Pakistan 🇵🇰

At a time when global tensions were at their peak, Pakistan stepped forward as a bridge for peace.

Recent reports confirm that Pakistan played a key role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, helping both sides agree to a temporary ceasefire after weeks of conflict. (Axios)

Through diplomacy, leadership, and responsible engagement, Pakistan helped bring the parties back to the table—demonstrating that peace is always possible when dialogue leads the way.

This effort reflects Pakistan’s commitment to:
✔️ Regional stability
✔️ Global peace
✔️ Constructive diplomacy

While the situation remains delicate, this step shows how nations like Pakistan can contribute meaningfully to reducing conflict and promoting understanding worldwide.

🌍 Let’s continue to support peace, dialogue, and unity.

01/03/2026

Headline: 🏔️ From Cold Peaks to Gold Mines: Transforming Pakistan’s Northern Areas through the ‘Ice & Snow’ Economy

Pakistan is home to the world’s most majestic peaks—the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and K2. But for too long, our winter season in Gilgit-Baltistan has been seen as a period of isolation rather than an economic engine.

China has just shown us the blueprint for change! 🇨🇳❄️

According to a recent report by China Today, China is successfully turning its "cold climates into hot economic opportunities" by building a nationwide ice-and-snow economy. From Xinjiang to Hebei, they are using winter sports, snow-themed tourism, and cultural festivals to stimulate high-quality economic growth even in the most remote mountainous regions.

How can we mimic this in Gilgit-Baltistan and Northern Pakistan? 🇵🇰🏔️

Our foundation believes we can "exploit" this model to empower our local mountain communities:

Sustainable Winter Resorts: Just as Xinjiang’s Altay region launched early resort openings through local investment, we can develop eco-friendly ski resorts in places like Naltar and Fairy Meadows to attract international tourists.

Cross-Sector Integration: We shouldn't just offer skiing. We need to create a "consumption ecosystem" that includes wellness retreats, winter photography tours, and mountain education camps, mimicking the Yangtze River Delta model.

Infrastructure & ‘Snow-Themed’ Travel: China uses snow-themed trains and concerts to make the cold climate part of a modern, prosperous lifestyle. We can promote winter festivals in Gilgit and Skardu to showcase our unique Balti and Shina cultures during the "off-season."

Community Empowerment: By extending the tourism chain into the winter months, we provide year-round employment for local guides, artisans, and hospitality workers, moving away from seasonal poverty.

Our Vision: The Northern Areas of Pakistan shouldn't just be a summer destination. With the right investment and a focus on the "Ice and Snow" economy, we can turn our winter peaks into a sustainable growth engine for overseas Pakistani investment and local prosperity.

What do you think? Should we bring the "Snow Boom" to the Karakoram? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇

06/02/2026

Over 60s Community Get-Together at the Chai Centre 🌙

Today our elders came together at the Chai Centre to share stories from the past, reflect on the upcoming blessed month of Ramzan, and take part in meaningful conversations around healthy eating, staying active, and tackling loneliness.

These sessions are much more than a meal — they are a lifeline. For many attendees, this is a rare opportunity to connect, feel heard, and enjoy companionship in a safe and welcoming space.

🥣 Nutritious food
🤝 Friendship and social connection
🧠 Open discussions on wellbeing, exercise, and mental health

Funded by the Community Fund, these gatherings continue to make a real difference to the lives of our elders, helping them stay healthy, connected, and supported.

Thank you to everyone who makes these sessions possible. 💛
Together, we are building stronger, healthier communities.