Omar Asghar Khan Foundation

Omar Asghar Khan Foundation Omar Asghar Khan Foundation is building a nation that cares for its people. It has a staff of about 30 and offices in Islamabad and Abbottabad.

Its works with diverse communities, civil society and governments across Pakistan to promote democratic governance, accountable budgets, social inclusion and climate resilience. Omar Asghar Khan Foundation fundamentally understands how to engage citizens and civil society in demanding and supporting a functioning democracy, in which government is accountable, citizens are active participants, and inclusion is promoted. The Foundation works across Pakistan, with its strongest field-base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Aawaz II National SummitAmplifying Leadership of Women with Disabilities Across PakistanIslamabad, June 29–30, 2026The A...
28/07/2026

Aawaz II National Summit
Amplifying Leadership of Women with Disabilities Across Pakistan
Islamabad, June 29–30, 2026

The Aawaz II Programme, supported by the UK's FCDO, concluded its landmark two-day National Summit of Women with Disabilities (WWDs) in Islamabad — Pakistan's first-ever gathering of its kind. Organised by the British Council and its partners Omar Asghar Khan Foundation (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and PJN (Punjab) in collaboration with UNFPA and, the Summit united WWD leaders from Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh with government officials to advance disability-inclusive development. The Summit culminated in the adoption of a National Charter of Demands reaffirming the movement's core philosophy: "Nothing About Us, Without Us."

"Women with disabilities must not simply benefit from policies and programmes; they must help design them, shape them, and hold institutions accountable" said Mr. James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan

"When women with disabilities are given platforms, they not only identify their issues but also develop solutions." — Mr. Sam Waldock, Development Director, British High Commission Pakistan

For Aawaz II, this Summit closes a chapter. For Pakistan's WWD movement, it opens the next one — led by women with disabilities themselves, from the grassroots to the national level.

Tuesday, 09 June 2026Aawaz II Provincial Forum – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & PunjabSustaining Inclusion and Rights: Prioritizin...
28/07/2026

Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Aawaz II Provincial Forum – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Punjab
Sustaining Inclusion and Rights: Prioritizing Policy Actions and Community Engagement

Government representatives, civil society leaders, development partners, and human rights advocates came together in Islamabad for the joint Aawaz II Provincial Forum of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to reflect on the programme's achievements and explore ways to sustain its positive impact beyond the project lifecycle.

The forum highlighted Aawaz II's important role in strengthening collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and development partners. Through this collective effort, the programme contributed to addressing key issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage, child protection, social inclusion, online safety, and strengthened citizen–state engagement.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ali Naqvi, SRO, FCDO, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Provincial Forum members for their dedication, commitment, and voluntary contributions throughout the programme. He acknowledged Aawaz II as a valuable platform that fostered inclusive governance, strengthened participatory decision-making, and built lasting partnerships despite the political, social, and environmental challenges experienced over the past decade.

Participants reflected on the programme's significant achievements, including progress in promoting inclusive policies, gender-responsive budgeting, and the protection and inclusion of women, children, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, and religious minorities. They also recognized the programme's contribution to strengthening community participation, accountability, and constructive engagement between citizens and government institutions.

The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to carrying forward the legacy of Aawaz II. Participants emphasized that sustaining these achievements is a collective responsibility of government, civil society, donors, and development partners. By continuing collaboration, policy dialogue, and inclusive engagement, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing equality, human rights, social inclusion, and lasting positive change for communities across Pakistan.

Together, we remain committed to building a more inclusive, accountable, and equitable Pakistan where every citizen has the opportunity to participate, be heard, and thrive.

National Youth Summit Islamabad — AAWAZ IIKhyber Pakhtunkhwa & Punjab | 29–30 April 2026Youth are not the leaders of tom...
28/07/2026

National Youth Summit Islamabad — AAWAZ II
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Punjab | 29–30 April 2026

Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow — they are the changemakers of today. Bringing together 80 young leaders, Aawaz Change Agents, Youth Icons, and civil society representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, the Aawaz II National Youth Summit united grassroots voices with policymakers, international partners, and government institutions to accelerate Pakistan's journey toward inclusion and equality.

Equipped with knowledge, driven by purpose, and united by vision, these young changemakers rose as informed leaders, active citizens, and fearless advocates — confronting the toughest challenges facing their communities, from gender-based violence and child marriage to the exclusion of transgender persons, religious minorities, and persons with disabilities. Their lived experiences were translated into real, actionable policy recommendations over two dynamic days.

At Aawaz II, energy meets innovation, and commitment becomes action — building communities that are more peaceful, more inclusive, and more resilient, today and for generations to come.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this vision is being carried forward in partnership with Omar Asghar Khan Foundation, while in Punjab, PJN stands as the driving provincial partner — together strengthening youth leadership across both provinces.

NbS Innovations in Water ManagementWRAP Team Meets with CDA Chair9 July 2026, IslamabadA high-level delegation consistin...
10/07/2026

NbS Innovations in Water Management
WRAP Team Meets with CDA Chair
9 July 2026, Islamabad

A high-level delegation consisting of senior representatives of FCDO, Oxford Policy Management and its consortium partner Omar Asghar Khan Foundation along with project leads: FDO and PCRWR met with the CDA Chair to present the results of 3 rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge facilities constructed in Rawal Town, QAUniversity and G-6. “The success of these efforts are already being emulated in Murree,” confirmed the CDA Chair. He also appreciated the partnership between government and civil society in implementing this project. “The challenge of effective water management is not possible without community ownership,” he said. The CDA Chair authorized a Working Group that will assist CDA to take the results of the project to scale.

Experiences in Nature Based Solutions from PakistanWWF Pakistan Conference on Collaborative Action for a Resilient Futur...
10/07/2026

Experiences in Nature Based Solutions from Pakistan
WWF Pakistan Conference on Collaborative Action for a Resilient Future
8-9 July 2026, Islamabad

Ms. Rashida Dohad, Executive Director, Omar Asghar Khan Foundation shared key lessons in integrating GEDSI (gender equity, disability & social inclusion) in nbs innovations in water management supported by the Catalytic Fund of the FCDO-funded Water Resources Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) project implemented by and its consortium partners including . “GEDSI cannot be achieved by checking a box. It must be integrated in the design and implementation of interventions,” she emphasised.

When women lead, communities thriveAurten Ji Kutchery - Women’s Learning Festival21 April 2026, Khairpur, SindhMore than...
10/07/2026

When women lead, communities thrive
Aurten Ji Kutchery - Women’s Learning Festival
21 April 2026, Khairpur, Sindh

More than 100 women leaders, 50-60 male allies, and about 20 senior government representatives, civil society partners, and the media attended the Aurten Ji Kutchery to celebrate a remarkable journey of courage, collective action, and social accountability.

This journey started in 2024, in which, with support from the , with and the is helping women from two talukas in Khairpur transform from silent observers into confident leaders. Together, the women leaders have assessed public services, developed over 300 Social Accountability Plans, engaged government institutions, and successfully advocated for improvements in healthcare, education, roads, drainage, streetlights, and other essential services.

“I now have a voice,” said many women leaders attending the Kutchery. They proudly celebrated their leadership role in improving the attidude of health providers towards female patients, especially from the Hindu community, in installing street lights, in paving roads and constructing drainage systems. “We have brought so much improvement and joy to our community,” said a participating woman. Men acknowledged these women-led achievements, and confirmed their continued support as male allies. “I was not aware that women in our communities are so capable,” said a local man. “Such initiatives are critically needed to help women take on leadership roles in our villages, towns and country,” said MNA Nafisa Shah.

The Kutchery was more than a celebration—it was a powerful demonstration of how informed citizens, supportive communities, and responsive institutions can work together to create lasting change. Together, we are proving that social accountability is not just a project—it is becoming a community-owned movement for better governance, stronger public services, and empowered women.

Rainwater Harvesting and Aquifer Recharge9 July 2026, IslamabadOpening ceremony of a rainwater harvesting and aquifer re...
10/07/2026

Rainwater Harvesting and Aquifer Recharge
9 July 2026, Islamabad

Opening ceremony of a rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge project in Rawal Town, Islamabad constructed by by FDO in collaboration with PCRWR and CDA. This was one of eight innovative projects implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and the ICT to promote nature based solutions (NbS) to water management. These projects were implemented under the FCDO-supported Catalytic Fund of the Water Resources Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) project implemented by a consortium led by in which is a lead partner.

Omar Asghar Khan(3 July 1953 - 25 June 2002)
25/06/2026

Omar Asghar Khan
(3 July 1953 - 25 June 2002)

08/03/2026

When we open paths for everyone, the entire society progresses. 'Inclusion' means ensuring that every facility is within everyone's reach. It is only by removing these barriers that we can make our society better.
GivetoGain

خواتین کے لیے مواقع بنائیں، رکاوٹیں ہٹائیں۔
ہم سب کی ترقی سب کی شمولیت سے ہی ممکن ہے۔

KP Budget FY2026-27Aawaz II Assists Vulnerable Communities to Define their PrioritiesPre-Budget Consultation, Peshawar, ...
18/02/2026

KP Budget FY2026-27
Aawaz II Assists Vulnerable Communities to Define their Priorities
Pre-Budget Consultation, Peshawar, 17 February 2026

About 100 women, youth, persons with disabilities, religious minorities and transgender persons from KP's districts of Abbottabad, Buner, Nowshera, Lower Dir, and Malakand
presented their consolidated priorities for inclusion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Budget FY2026-27 at a Pre-Budget Consultation organized by and . This event marked the culmination of a series of disrict-level dialogues support by Aawaz II to help vulnerable communities define their priorities and resource needs.

Equipped and functional Darul Amans in each district, trained police staff, and legal aid were recommended to better respond to gender-based violence. Community engagement and public information campaigns were also prioritised to prevent violence against women and girls. Allocations for expanded birth registeration and training of registrars and Nikah Khwans were demanded to prevent early age marriage. Dr. Yasmin Zaidi, Aawaz II Team Lead highlighted the economic gains from investing in prevention. Citing a UN Cosing Study, she said that “$800 Million was the estimated annual GDP loss due to child marriage.” Allocation to the Police Department for setting up Tahaffuz Centres for transgender persons, and inclusive education, employment and sporting facilities for persons with disabilities and non-Muslim citizens, especially women were also among the priorities presented by vulnerable communities.

In his keynote address, KP’s Advisor Finance Mr. Muzammil Aslam confirmed support to the identified priorities. He said, "the priorities presented by vulnerable communities are important and not resource intensive. If these are included by relevant departments in their budgets, I assure you they will be favourably considered for allocation in the upcoming budget.” The Advisor Finance appreciated Aawaz II's consistent efforts in giving the government the benefit of inputs from communities that are vulnerable due to gender, poverty, ability or faith. He recalled that similar efforts by Aawaz II in the preceding fiscal year had helped the government align budget allocations to the needs and aspirations of the marginalized. He lamented that some of the priorities presented last year appeared again this year indicating government inaction. Mr. Aslam stressed that strategic allocation of funds was as important as its effective implementation for impactful results.

In her opening remarks, Dr.Sumera Shams, Chair KP Commission on the Status of Women and Aawaz II’s KP Forum, commended Aawaz II for providing platforms for citizen engagement with government on the provincial budget. “These opportunities are even more important for women and other vulnerable groups as their voices and concerns are often peripheral or completely unheard,” she pointed out.

Senior officials from the Finance, Planning & Development, Social Welfare & Women's Empowerment, and Auqaf & Religious Minorities Departments and representatives from the KP Commission on the Status of Women, KP Child Protection & Welfare Commission, Ombudsperson's Office, and the National Commission on Human Rights also participated in the pre-budget consultation.

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Islamabad

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Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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