- Enhancing transparency, sustainability, and collaboration can help charity organisations maximise their long-term impact in Pakistan
Interview with Muhammad Raza, SEVP & Group Head — General Services & Customer Support Groups at Meezan Bank
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Muhammad Raza: I am currently SEVP & Group Head – General Services & Customer Support Groups at Meezan Bank. I graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from DCET- NED University of Engineering & Technology and also hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Institute of Business Management (IoBM). I also hold an Associate Diploma from the Institute of Bankers, Pakistan, a Post Graduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Finance from the Centre of Islamic Economics and Islamic Scholar Course from Al- Furan Scholars Academy.
I have worked at MCB as Chief Manager of different branches. I joined Meezan Bank in its very early days, in February 2003, as Branch Manager, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Branch, which was the first branch opened by Meezan Bank in Karachi. I have 34 years of diversified banking experience in the areas of Retail and Consumer Banking and 22 years of experience in Islamic Banking in the areas of Strategy, Innovation, Transformation, Branch Banking, Liability Sales, Marketing, Product developments, Service Quality, Consumer Finance, Wealth Management, Collection & Recovery, Training, Marketing, Administration and Engineering. I have an excellent track record of leading, motivating and developing teams of diverse cultural/professional backgrounds coupled with a strong Shariah-knowledge base developed through working closely with the Bank’s Shariah Department as well as different Shariah Scholars. I am a certified trainer and conducts both in-house and external trainings on various subjects. I am a member of various committees at State Bank of Pakistan, Ex- member of PBA Consumer subcommittee and Ex-Chairman of Mortgage Forum of Pakistan Bankers Association.
PAGE: It is said that approximately $2bn are donated by Pakistanis per year. What is your standpoint in this regard?
Muhammad Raza: The estimate that Pakistanis donate approximately $2 billion annually to charity aligns with various reports highlighting Pakistan as one of the most philanthropic nations in the world. Given the country’s socio-economic challenges, strong religious and cultural traditions of giving (such as Zakat, Sadaqah, and Khairat), and a deep sense of community responsibility, this figure seems plausible.
However, a few key considerations arise:
1. A significant portion of donations occurs informally, such as direct support to individuals, which makes it difficult to track the actual total. If all informal contributions were accounted for, the figure might be even higher.
2. While the generosity is commendable, there is a need to ensure that donations are efficiently utilised, reaching those who need them most. We have seen families who gets the benefit from various channels whereas on the other hand we find thousands of deserving families who are deprived of any support. Strengthening transparent donation channels and impact assessment mechanisms can enhance the effectiveness of charitable giving.
3. While emergency aid and direct assistance, like ration, dastar khawan, cloths distribution, are essential, a shift towards sustainable charity models (such as microfinance, vocational training, and employment-generating initiatives) can help break the cycle of poverty rather than just alleviating its immediate effects.
In other words Pakistanis charitable giving reflects a strong culture of generosity, but better structuring and strategic philanthropy could enhance its long-term impact.
PAGE: Pakistanis are large hearted people who empty their pockets at the slightest hint of another’s need. What is your perspective on it?
Muhammad Raza: I completely agree that Pakistanis are exceptionally generous and deeply compassionate when it comes to helping others. Whether it’s through Zakat, Sadaqah, or general philanthropy, they have a remarkable ability to give selflessly, often beyond their means. This generosity is visible in times of crisis be it natural disasters like 2005 and 2013 earthquakes, 2010 and 2022 floods, medical emergencies like 2015 and 2022 heatwaves, or economic hardships like Covid lockdown in 2020 and 2021 where people come together to support those in need without hesitation. However, while this spirit of giving is admirable, there is also a need to channel it more strategically. I again repeat that instead of just focusing on immediate relief, structured giving and sustainable business opportunities can create long-term impact. This way, charity can transition from short-term assistance to empowering people for self-sufficiency.
PAGE: Religious tradition mandates discretion in charity with the intention of protecting the identity and dignity of every beneficiary. What is your take on it?
Muhammad Raza: Absolutely. Islamic teachings emphasise both the virtue of charity and the dignity of its recipients. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly stress that charity should be given with sincerity (ikhlas) and discretion, ensuring that the beneficiary’s dignity remains intact. One of the most honored forms of giving in Islam is Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) and Zakat that is given in a way where the left hand does not know what the right hand gives (as per a Hadith). Publicising charity for the sake of encouragement and awareness can have value, but it must be done carefully. If the act of giving turns into a display or unintentionally humiliates the recipient, it loses its spiritual essence. A balance needs to be struck where charitable efforts are well-organized and impactful, yet the privacy of the beneficiaries is safeguarded.
PAGE: How would you comment on charity organisations?
Muhammad Raza: Charity organisations in Pakistan play a crucial role in addressing social and economic challenges, often filling the gaps left by public welfare systems. Many of them operate efficiently and have earned national and international recognition for their impact. However, like any sector, they face both strengths and challenges.
Strengths:
- Strong Philanthropic Culture: Organizations benefit from Pakistan’s deep-rooted tradition of giving, receiving significant donations from individuals, businesses, and the diaspora.
- Wide Reach: Many NGOs and welfare groups operate at grassroots levels, providing healthcare, education, disaster relief, and microfinance to marginalized communities.
- Successful Models: Institutions like Edhi Foundation, Saylani Welfare, Akhuwat, Alamgir Welfare and The Citizens Foundation (TCF) have demonstrated how structured philanthropy can create sustainable social impact.
- Emergency Response: During floods, earthquakes, and economic crises, these organizations mobilize quickly, often outperforming government efforts.
Challenges:
- Transparency & Accountability: While many organizations maintain high ethical standards, some lack financial transparency, leading to concerns about fund utilization.
- Over-Reliance on Short-Term Aid: A large portion of charitable funds goes toward immediate relief rather than long-term solutions like skill development and employment generation.
- Regulatory Hurdles: NGOs sometimes face bureaucratic challenges, including funding restrictions and compliance issues, which can slow down their operations.
- Duplication of Efforts: Many organizations work in silos, leading to inefficiencies. Better coordination among them could maximize impact.
To enhance their effectiveness, charity organizations in Pakistan should focus on sustainable development projects, improve transparency, and collaborate more closely with both the private sector and government institutions.
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