INTRODUCTION

The Holy Prophet PBUH said, “the greatest prayer of all is to serve humanity”. From this hadith we come to realise that aiding poverty stricken and needy people is in itself a prayer. As it is, well to do should assist the needy in their individual capacity. However, political and religious parties and social organisations ought to perform their due share in this service to humanity. Any political movement, which renders service to humanity, is no less than a prayer itself. Unfortunately, in our country, political and religious organisations have divested themselves of this responsibility, assuming it to be the prerogative of social organisations. Political and religious organisations have constantly claimed that when they come to power they will take necessary steps to eradicate the ills of poverty, destitution, hunger and illiteracy. They believe that service to humanity cannot be accomplished without controlling the reigns of power. The MQM (Muttahida Quami Movement), however, in Pakistan is the only organisation, which has proved that even without being in power it has nevertheless managed to achieve and set considerable examples of service to humanity. This is only possible when one is honest and sincere and works with a commitment to the cause. MQM’s example of such commitment is a torchbearer for others to follow.

MQM’s ideological and philosophical approach encompasses the concept of service to humanity without any prejudice or discrimination. The Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) comes under the jurisdiction of the MQM. It is a highly organised, active and effective social organisation. Its services are spread over a very wide spectrum which does not only include Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban areas of Sindh, but today, the KKF is known throughout the country for its social services. The Founder and Leader of the MQM, Mr. Altaf Hussain and his colleagues have served the destitute and the needy long before the MQM came into existence. The All Pakistan Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO) gave birth to the Mohajir Quami Movement (MQM) on 18th March 1984, whereas the APMSO itself was formed on 11th June 1978. Through their intense commitment to serve the poor students and destitute people, Mr Altaf Hussain and his colleagues formed the KKC (Khidmat-e-Khalq Committee) in 1978. (The KKC was transformed into KKF, i.e.- Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation in January 1998) Mr. Altaf Hussain and his associates contributed all their pocket money and whatever remuneration they received by giving tuition, to the KKC fund. From this money and the donations received from students, other less fortunate students were helped. Course books and cash for admission and examination fees were distributed.

In 1979 and 1982 when exodus of stranded Pakistanis from Bangladesh began in Karachi, it was the MQM’s KKF, which distributed food and clothing amongst those dispossessed families. Through the mobile KKF camps in Majid Colony, Landhi, these families received 320 kg of rice, 80 kg of wheat flour, 80 kg of lentils, a hundred boxes of tea, two thousand pieces of stitched clothing, 40 dozen cakes of soap, medicines and a variety of other household utensils. On their arrival in their homeland, the stranded Pakistanis were provided meals twice, as no such arrangements were made by any other organisation or the then Government. Under the supervision of KKF, a similar aid camp was established at West Wharf, Karachi, where the arrangements for medical facilities were organised and goods worth Rs. 17,440 were distributed.

In the early 1980′s the KKF actively participated in providing aid in various localities, along with educational institutions. In the city’s numerous localities various, programmes were organised, at different times, where sewing machines for poor widows, mattresses, quilts, clothing and cash amount were distributed and poor students received course books and cash amount to pay their fees.

In 1984, Mr Altaf Hussain formed the MQM. As the MQM gained popularity with the public, the activities of KKF kept on increasing and soon it became the centre of hope for the destitute and needy. Among the patrons of the MQM, no one including Mr. Altaf Hussain belonged to either the feudal or industrialist class. Each of them represents the lower and middle educated class of the society. The paucity of funds, however, did not dampen the zeal of the MQM leadership and its members. To create a spirit of service amongst the people, they campaigned in various ways to generate funds. By receiving donations they put into motion the process of helping the poor and destitute, which is being continued in a most organised and effective manner.