Every year, I visit Gilgit for the cause of disabled persons within the region. I visit it not only because of personal reasons but to serve the NGO free of cost. This time in April, I visited Gilgit to see how we can further amplify the Goodwill message in government and private sector offices.

With inflation rates soaring to a staggering 28.5% in Pakistan, the economic burden disproportionately affects individuals living with disabilities. This alarming inflation moving beyond Eid and Ramadan, not only undermines the purchasing power of the general population but also exacerbates the financial challenges faced by disabled individuals and their families. For them, the impact of inflation is profoundly amplified, as they often have additional expenses related to healthcare, assistive devices, and accessibility accommodations.

In the past three years following the registration of the organization in Gilgit Baltistan, residents have grappled with a notable uptick in the prices of essential commodities such as fuel, food, and clothing. This surge in costs has cast a shadow over the region, rendering routine tasks that were once easily accomplished in the earlier part of the decade now significantly more challenging.

Previously, simple endeavors and everyday activities that were undertaken with ease during the 2020s are now met with obstacles due to the financial strain inflicted by the escalating prices. What once may have been a straightforward endeavor, whether it be commuting to work, purchasing groceries, clothing, has transformed into a burdensome undertaking for many residents.

The repercussions of this economic shift ripple through the fabric of daily life, impacting individuals and families alike. Transportation costs have surged, making it more arduous for individuals to travel for work or other essential activities. The affordability of basic necessities, such as food staples, has dwindled, forcing families to navigate tighter budgets and potentially compromising their nutritional intake. Moreover, the rising costs of clothing pose additional challenges, especially for those already grappling with financial constraints.

This adverse economic trend not only strains the livelihoods of the local populace but also underscores broader socioeconomic challenges facing Gilgit Baltistan. While the exact causes of these price hikes may vary, ranging from global market fluctuations to local economic policies, the repercussions are felt acutely by the disabled community

That is why we are trying to raise as many funds as possbile to ensure that some safety net will keep our NGO operations running

Karachi 11.03.2024

On March 11, 2024, ICare Country Director Syed Hasan Ali and GB Goodwill Movement’s CEO Ghulam Muhammad Baig made a commitment to collaborate on supporting Persons with Disabilities throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Director Hasan Ali expressed appreciation for GBGM’s efforts towards the differently abled members of society. He also affirmed that ICare Pakistan would provide support to GBGM’s operations on the ground wherever needed. This assistance would be facilitated through financial aid sourced from ICare’s donor network.

To support our cause through ICare, please click here

Collaboration is essential in society; without it, there would be no society. We hope that we can raise funds to benefit all disabled persons of Gilgit Baltistan.

Dear Esteemed Professionals,

I trust this correspondence finds you in good health and high spirits.

My name is Ghulam Muhammad Baig, and I am currently enrolled as a student at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, pursuing a degree in Politics & International Relations. Concurrently, I am engaged in leading an NGO known as the Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement, which is dedicated to serving the disabled communities of Gilgit Baltistan. Our operational headquarters are situated in Zulfiqarabad, Gilgit.

In essence, we are a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Our initiatives encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from empowering disabled individuals through various skill development programs to addressing their fundamental needs by providing sustenance, shelter, and clothing to the marginalized segments within the disabled community.

Alhamdulillah, we began our work in June 2021 in Gilgit Baltistan, with support from senior doctors working within the NHS in the UK. Now, we are seeking additional support from other professionals within our community

We understand that many of you send money home as remittances, but we kindly ask you to consider the challenges faced by disabled individuals in our country as Allah says helping the poor is a good deed. Unfortunately, many of these people are excluded from assistance in society! We are seeking small donations, even if it is $5 or $10 because every penny counts towards helping these people.

We hope that you will support us in our Ramadan Fundraiser and help disabled persons in Gilgit Baltistan

In Pakistan and several other countries across South Asia, there are significant challenges with the allocation of aid. This aid primarily refers to funding directed towards Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) engaged in various initiatives at the regional, provincial, or national levels. Despite the pressing need for increased social development aid, there persists a notable discrepancy in getting aid to the appropriate recipients in a timely manner. This challenge, however, does not primarily stem from corruption, lack of consideration, or a deficit of willpower. Instead, the primary culprit is disorganization.

Why Disorganization in Aid in Gilgit Baltistan?

In the context described, aid refers to the support received by Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from various sources such as governments, other NGOs, and agencies. While foreign monetary aid is a notable example, it’s not the sole form of aid. Instead, we’re focusing on how these organizations acquire support from different entities within their own country or from international sources.

In the West, aid is usually funded through open sources like DFID or UNAID or other forms. The aid is not given purely as a donation instead it has many steps where it asks one for their organisational information and so on. It even has many funding rounds (stages) of accquiring monteary funds. This allows one to approach each agency, and explain clearly what is needed and what is meant.

This is not the case in Pakistan.

1. Limited Resources Distribution: When government funding is allocated without transparency or accountability, it can result in a few select NGOs receiving the majority of the resources, leaving others with limited support. This can hinder the overall development and impact of the NGO sector.
2. Inequality and Unfair Practices: Without transparency, there’s a risk of inequality and unfair practices in the selection process for funding. NGOs that have connections or political affiliations may receive preferential treatment over others, regardless of their effectiveness or impact.
3. Dependency on Government Funding: NGOs and NPOs becoming overly reliant on government funding can be problematic, especially when the funding allocation process lacks transparency. Dependence on a single funding source can undermine the independence and autonomy of these organizations, limiting their ability to pursue their mission effectively.
4. Potential Solutions:
   • Advocacy for Transparency: NGOs and NPOs, along with civil society organizations, can advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of government funding. This can involve lobbying for policy reforms that mandate transparent processes for funding distribution.
   • Diversification of Funding Sources: Encouraging NGOs to diversify their funding sources can reduce dependency on government funding. This may involve seeking support from international donors, private foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
   • Capacity Building: Providing capacity-building support to NGOs and NPOs can help them become more sustainable and resilient, reducing their reliance on government funding. This support can include training in fundraising, financial management, and organizational development.
   • Networking and Collaboration: NGOs can also collaborate and network with each other to share resources, best practices, and advocacy efforts. Collective action can amplify their voices and increase their influence in advocating for fair and transparent funding practices.

Addressing these challenges requires collective action from NGOs, NPOs, government agencies, and civil society to promote transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources in Pakistan’s development sector.

In Gilgit Baltistan, the NGO has tried to push the government away from this model, and we have reached somewhat success however much work is needed to bring Western model of foreign aid into good governance.

Support a Noble Cause this Ramadan!

This Ramadan, let’s join hands to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Visit

gbgoodwillmovement.com

and contribute to our charitable efforts. Your donations will be utilized to:

1.

Provide free training to disabled individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan.

2.

Treat various diseases affecting disabled individuals.

3.

Provide essential ration to the needy during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Together, we can bring hope, support, and opportunity to those who need it most. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small. Let’s spread the spirit of generosity and compassion this Ramadan.

Donate now and be a part of something meaningful!