Dubai | Bloomberg – In a time when global generosity is under strain, Pakistan has been recognized as one of the world’s most charitable nations, securing the 17th position in the World Giving Report (WGR) 2025. This recognition comes from a comprehensive study conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) in partnership with the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP).
Why Pakistan Ranked 17th in the World Giving Index
The WGR evaluates 101 countries using three core indicators of generosity:
Helping a stranger Donating money Volunteering time
Pakistan demonstrated outstanding performance, especially in terms of income proportion donated, placing it ahead of many high-income nations despite facing economic challenges.
“This achievement reflects Pakistan’s enduring commitment to compassion and collective responsibility,” says Shazia Maqsood Amjad, Executive Director of PCP. “Even during financial uncertainty, giving remains at the heart of our people.”
Islamic giving
Islamic Giving: Zakat and Sadaqah Power a Philanthropic Nation
Pakistan’s philanthropic strength is deeply rooted in its Islamic traditions:
Zakat (obligatory annual charity) contributes billions annually to poverty alleviation. Sadaqah (voluntary charity) supports countless causes from food distribution to medical care.
These forms of religious giving are systematic, community-led, and deeply embedded in daily life, making Pakistan a standout in the global generosity index.
A Culture of Everyday Kindness and Informal Charity
Across rural and urban regions, Pakistanis regularly:
Feed the hungry Offer shelter to strangers Provide free healthcare and clothing Support neighbors without formal systems
This grassroots giving culture is one of Pakistan’s most powerful social safety nets—often operating silently but effectively.
Volunteerism: Youth Leading the Charge During Crisis
In times of disaster or hardship, such as:
Floods Earthquakes COVID-19 pandemic
Thousands of volunteers mobilize instantly—delivering aid, rebuilding communities, and offering emotional support. Pakistan’s youth-driven volunteerism is among the most active and passionate in South Asia.
Contributions
Diaspora Contributions: A Lifeline from Abroad
The Pakistani diaspora—one of the largest globally—plays a major role in the nation’s giving ecosystem. Each year, they contribute:
Remittances exceeding $30 billion Donations to hospitals, schools, and disaster funds Support for orphanages, scholarships, and health programs
These cross-border donations serve as critical funding channels for sustainable development.
Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy: Structuring Impactful Giving
Since 2001, the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) has led efforts to:
Their work helps maximize the effectiveness of charitable contributions and aligns giving with long-term national goals like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
Pakistan Sets a Global Example: Generosity Amid Hardship
The World Giving Report 2025 reveals an inspiring truth:
Even in economic difficulty, Pakistan continues to give—and give generously.
Its performance proves that generosity is not dictated by wealth, but by values. In Pakistan, the instinct to help others is intergenerational, spiritual, and deeply personal.
Final Thoughts: Philanthropy as a Pillar of Pakistan’s Identity
In the face of adversity, Pakistan’s people remain united by compassion. From Zakat to volunteering, diaspora donations to informal neighborhood aid—the country offers a powerful reminder that true generosity transcends borders, wealth, and politics.
