Sahil Welfare Association was established on 24th April 2014 as a Not for Profit NGO setup under Section-42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 to exclusively focus on the deprived needy brothers and sisters of coastal community spread over more than 1000 kms coastline, so as to improve their well-being & quality of life.
Recently I happened to visit the association situated at Clifton, Karachi. It is a subsidiary of Bahria Foundation and registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), SWA is supervised by M/s Alhamd Shahriah Advisory Services (Pvt) Ltd—an SECP-authorized firm—for the collection and utilization of Zakat and donations. This status has helped it achieve recognition as a Shariah Compliant NGO. SWA is also certified by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP).
The organization’s Board of Directors consists of philanthropists from civil society as well as senior serving naval officers from field commands, with the Commander Coast serving as its ex-officio Chairman. Beyond projects in health, education, water, energy, and rehabilitation, the Association extends comprehensive support to families affected by natural disasters.
Formed through a collaboration between the Pakistan Navy and civil society, Sahil Welfare Association has undertaken the mission of uplifting Pakistan’s coastal population. Once limited to protecting coastal and creek regions, the task now includes empowering coastal populations and providing humanitarian resources to improve their living standards—particularly during disaster relief operations.
Objectives of SWA
The primary objectives of SWA include:
a. Providing free or subsidized quality education and vocational training.
b. Offering healthcare facilities.
c. Implementing water and rain harvesting projects.
d. Enhancing living standards.
e. Collaborating with the Pakistan Navy in disaster relief and rehabilitation activities.
Welfare Activities
Sahil Welfare Association is actively involved in various welfare programs for communities along the Sindh and Makran coasts.
Education & Vocational Training
The coastal population, primarily made up of fishermen, often opts to involve their children in fishing due to financial hardship and cultural norms, resulting in a low literacy rate. SWA is working to reverse this trend by encouraging parents to prioritize education. To achieve this, it offers free education to talented, underprivileged students and grants to schools and colleges to develop infrastructure conducive to learning.
a. Rs. 37 million have been expended through the CNS Sponsor A Child Scheme.
b. 2,700 students have been sponsored in various schools and colleges.
Health Care
SWA organizes medical and eye camps in Karachi and nearby regions, offering free medicines, minor procedures, and retina operations:
a. 135,033 patients have been treated by specialists at free medical camps.
b. 111 free medical camps have been organized across coastal and creek areas.
Clean Water
The unavailability of clean drinking water has led to diseases such as naegleria, malaria, and abdominal infections. SWA aims to widen its network of clean drinking water facilities:
a. 8 RO plants have been installed in Pasni, Jiwani, Ormara, and Gwadar.
b. 9 water bores have been installed in Jiwani City, Panwan Town, Daran, and Pishukan.
c. 5 water filtration plants have been set up in Ormara, Pasni, and Manora.
Ration Distribution
Ration drives are conducted year-round to support families unable to afford basic monthly provisions. Despite logistical challenges, SWA continues its efforts:
a. 25,818 ration bags were distributed in 2022.
b. 2,980 ration bags in 2023.
c. 1,580 ration bags in 2024.
d. 5,010 ration bags have been distributed in 2025 so far.
Solar Project
To address the lack of electricity and extended load shedding, SWA distributes solar power panels and electric fans to residents of Ormara and nearby villages:
a. 200 solar panels have been distributed to date.
Disaster Relief
SWA has carried out numerous operations in rain and flood-affected coastal areas, distributing essential relief items:
a. 13,070 ration bags
b. 13,200 water bottles
c. 540 Viki Razai
d. 1,100 uppers
e. 650 jackets
f. 25 medical camps
g. 40 family sponsorships
h. 90 houses constructed
j. 1,500 solar lights
k. 800 tents
m. 4,400 mosquito nets
n. 300 shoes
p. 2,200 suits
q. 663 blankets
r. 2,000 hygiene products
s. 727 water coolers
t. 2 spray guns
u. 1,000 water filters
With support from the Pakistan Navy, civil society, and a committed board led by the Commander Coast, Sahil Welfare Association continues to build Bridges of Hope from shore to shore. In a world where many promises go unfulfilled, SWA delivers with heart, vision, and tangible results. For the people of Pakistan’s coast, Sahil Welfare Association is more than an organization—it’s a Ray of Hope, a Symbol of Care, and a Force for Good.
