Evolution of MICT

For the late Colonel Doctor Syed Mohammad Hasanain Bokhari and Mrs. Azra Bokhari, their journey for the sake of Pakistan in 1947 filled with personal tragedy, inspired them to dedicate their lives for others in need. Together they donated a sizeable portion of their assets for service to humanity. Today, their generous contribution has evolved in to the Madinatul Ilm Charitable Trust (MICT).

Colonel Bokhari founded the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Rawalpindi and the National Health Laboratories, later renamed as the National Institute of Health in Islamabad. Together, these two scientific institutions remain living memories to his dedication to Pakistan.  Mrs. Bokhari is still remembered in Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas for her generous support to a countless number of impoverished individuals and families.

In accordance with the commitment of Doctor Bokhari and Mrs. Bokhari, the MICT began functioning as a non-profit organization in 2008. Our first activity was a response to the sudden flow of Pakistan’s internal refugees who fled areas near the Afghan border, following fierce attacks by armed militants.

The victims ranged from the elderly to young widows who had never stepped out of their homes in largely traditional rural settings. They were uprooted after middle-aged and young men were brutally killed in armed attacks.

The closure of roads to parts of Khyber-Pakhtun khwa or KPK province created an unforeseen crisis. MICT’s response included providing cattle to the victims, for resuming their livelihoods. MICT stepped in to this crisis in coordination with other non-profit organizations, additionally providing emergency food supplies and clothing.

We continue to receive countless requests from vulnerable and poverty-stricken individuals requiring urgent support. Our funding appeals, text messages and verbal communications are instrumental in briefing donors on causes where we intervene. Over the years, we have carefully monitored cases from launching initial appeals and monitoring of progress to collecting evidence of final outcomes, for our donors.

Today, our expanded activities include support for education, health-care, clean drinking water, livelihood, Ramzan food packs and emergency relief.  MICT has also added tree plantation during the monsoon season as an essential activity to save the environment. Installation of hand pumps has become a very popular activity and MICT has started to focus largely on educational institutions in remote areas for the same.

In this journey, MICT also helps poverty-stricken men and women to start-up businesses at the grassroots using small grants. Our journey has been one of anguish in view of the large size population group that needs to be uplifted. But we continue to do our best and instill hope among individuals and communities in need.