Event Stories

Disaster Relief Work

Pakistan contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries worldwide. The 2021 Climate Change Policy highlights key challenges, including extreme weather events, erratic monsoons leading to floods and droughts, melting glaciers in the Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalayan region, water scarcity affecting agriculture, rising air pollution and smog causing health issues, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increased migration. These factors are intensifying risks to livelihoods and overall human security.

In response, RDF focuses on raising awareness among youth, women, minorities, and marginalized communities about international and national climate policies, while building understanding of climate impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, health, and socio-economic conditions. The organization also promotes adaptation, mitigation, and disaster preparedness, alongside providing relief during emergencies, including its support to flood-affected communities in 2025.

1st Board Meeting

The inaugural Board of Directors meeting of Roshan Development Foundation was successfully held on 31st August 2024, laying a strong foundation for effective governance, strategic direction, and institutional growth. During the meeting, the Board structure was formalized with key leadership roles confirmed, alongside a firm commitment to full legal compliance and proper documentation. An initial roadmap was developed outlining operations, staffing, and accountability systems, with a clear focus on enhancing organizational visibility, building partnerships, and strengthening strategic outreach. Overall, the meeting established a clear path forward to reinforce institutional systems, expand collaborations, and deliver impactful programs.

Sowing the Seeds

A Focus Group Discussion was conducted at a Gurdwara in Nankana Sahib with 11 displaced women from Sikh, Christian, and Hindu communities originating from regions such as Kashmore, Bajaur, Bara, Tirah, and FATA. Participants shared that insecurity, threats from militant groups, fear of forced conversions, and limited livelihood opportunities forced their displacement. While they now perceive Nankana Sahib as relatively safer, they face severe economic hardship due to loss of traditional livelihoods and lack of stable income sources.

The discussion further highlighted that women carry disproportionate burdens, including caregiving responsibilities and psychological stress, while many families remain excluded from social protection programs due to documentation barriers. Key recommendations included immediate access to cash and medical support, improved inclusion in welfare schemes, and long-term livelihood restoration through skills training, micro-grants, and women-led cooperatives to support sustainable reintegration and self-reliance.

Training of Youth

A training session titled “Youth Preparedness: Entrepreneurship and Innovation” was successfully conducted on 30th December 2025. The session brought together students from various universities in Lahore, aiming to enhance their awareness and capacity in entrepreneurship and innovative thinking..

The training was led by Ms. Farooqi, Chairperson of RDF, who provided an insightful briefing on the importance of youth preparedness in today’s dynamic socio-economic landscape. She emphasized the role of entrepreneurship and innovation as key drivers for personal and professional growth

The session commenced with participant registration, followed by an introduction round where participants shared their expectations. The main training segment covered essential concepts, practical insights, and motivational guidance on entrepreneurship and innovation.

An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage directly with the trainer, clarify concepts, and share their perspectives. The training concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the active participation of attendees.Overall, the session was informative, engaging, and well-received by participants, contributing to building their knowledge and interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.