Pakistan Association Dubai extends lifeline to thousands during Ramadan in UAE
Food cards and iftar meals distributed across multiple communities
DUBAI – During the holy month of Ramadan, the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) reinforced its commitment to community welfare through a series of initiatives reaching thousands of deserving individuals and families across the UAE.
The wide-ranging programme focused on food assistance, healthcare support and humanitarian outreach, driven by volunteers and supported by donors and authorities.
The efforts highlighted a collective push to ensure that vulnerable communities were not left behind during the sacred month.
Food aid
Through its Ramadan welfare programme, PAD distributed 600 food cards, enabling families to access essential groceries.
In addition, more than 8,000 individuals were served iftar meals throughout the month, ensuring daily sustenance for workers and low-income groups.
Volunteers played a central role, dedicating time each day to organise and deliver support across various locations.
Repatriation efforts
The organisation also facilitated the return of 135 prisoners to their home countries during Ramadan, working closely with partners to complete legal and travel formalities. Over the course of 2025, PAD successfully supported the repatriation of 670 prisoners, helping reunite them with their families. The initiative remains one of the organisation’s key humanitarian efforts.
Zahid Hassan, General Secretary of PAD, said the community’s collective support was vital in reaching thousands of beneficiaries. He acknowledged the role of volunteers, donors and UAE authorities in enabling the initiatives to run smoothly.
Medical support
Healthcare assistance remained a central pillar of PAD’s work through the Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC). During Ramadan, more than 75 per cent of PMC patients received free medical services through its welfare department. The centre also extended support to stranded travellers affected by recent developments in the UAE, ensuring access to essential treatment.
PAD further organised an Eid gift distribution for 400 children from over 250 families, reaching more than 1,500 individuals. The initiative aimed to create a festive atmosphere for families celebrating Eid away from home.
Faisal Sunka, Welfare Secretary, said the organisation remained focused on providing practical support to families, workers and individuals facing hardship. He noted that a structured screening process helps identify deserving beneficiaries, while ongoing community support continues to strengthen PAD’s outreach.