That Is Where the Story Begins
Life was distressed after the 2005 earthquake which shocked Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). One of the worst affected was the children who overnight became orphans after losing their parents. This disaster cried for humanitarian assistance, and one man rose to respond with commitment, Ch. Mohammed Akhtar Hussain.
Come into being with tragedy
With friends from the UK, Ch. Akhtar came to AJK with personal assistance for the earthquake victims. Seeing the misery for himself, he understood that there was a dire need for long-term support. In December 2005, he laid the foundation of Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT), a charitable organization dedicated to providing shelter, education, and a future for orphan children.
Building a Home for the Orphans
KORT was initially operating from a rented shelter meant for orphan children in Mirpur AJK. However, Ch. Akhtar had a vision far better than providing temporary relief; he wanted to build a home that would adequately nurture these children. The AJK government in 2007 recognized his efforts and donated 100kanal land for the KORT complex. The stone laying ceremony was held in 2008, and construction commenced in 2009-2010.
A Landmark Achievement: KORT Educational & Residential Complex
Through relentless effort and community support, KORT was able to construct a clean, safe, and secure environment for its orphans; the Honorale prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan inaugurated the complex and commended KORT for their efforts. Today, the state-of-the-art complex is home today, hundreds of children benefit from this state-of-the-art facility, receiving not just shelter but also quality education and vocational training.
Empowering Communities through Welfare Initiatives
KORT’s humanitarian endeavors span across various domains:
- Turning Disability into Ability: Distribution of wheelchairs to disabled individuals across AJK and Pakistan.
- KORT Clean Water Projects: Ensuring access to clean drinking water in remote communities.
- Women Empowerment Projects: Providing sewing machines to deserving women, enabling them to earn a livelihood.
- KORT Ramadan Food Packages Program: Distributing food and ration packages to thousands of underprivileged families every year.
Recognition and Community Support
The efforts of Ch. Mohammed Akhtar Hussain brought him a lot of respect and appreciation community-wise and from dignitaries. His work is a source of inspiration for younger generations as it shows how a single person can change the lives of thousands.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Compassion
KORT is a leading example of philanthropy by having provided a home to orphans from the rubble of an earthquake which makes KORT distinct. The humanitarian service provided by Ch. Akhtar as a volunteer has given shelter and education to a large number of orphans, and also helped build communities with sustainable projects. My journey tells me that success is not about wealth, it is about serving humanity, and KORT is a source of motivation for people.
Mr. Moni, a renowned educationist from Mirpur, composed a poem in honor of Ch. Akhtar Hussain, which was eloquently recited by a student of the Farnan School System.
Ch. M0hammad Akhtar Hussain’s dedication to humanitarian causes has been recognized with the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, a national honor that reflects his exceptional service to Pakistan and Kashmir.