The Alkhidmat Foundation on Monday handed out relief cheques totaling Rs10 million to 70 families in Chakwal who were affected by last year’s heavy rains and flooding, part of a targeted effort to support economic rehabilitation and rebuild livelihoods.
The cheque distribution ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sara Hayat Gondal as chief guest. Also present were SP Investigation Sajid Hussain Gondal, Alkhidmat Chakwal president Khawaja Usman Siddique, Alkhidmat North Punjab president Raja Rizwan Ahmed, Jamaat-i-Islami Chakwal ameer Irfan Younas and Punjab Bar Council member Chaudhry Tallat Mahmood, along with many residents and beneficiaries.
The DC said the district administration, supported by the Punjab government, had already provided financial assistance to families of those who lost their lives and to the injured after the calamity. She added that a damage assessment survey carried out by the administration had been shared with the foundation and, after verification, the organisation distributed assistance to deserving households, praising the Alkhidmat relief effort as a valuable contribution to post-disaster rehabilitation.
In his welcome remarks, Khawaja Usman Siddique emphasised the foundation’s commitment to serving humanity without discrimination and prioritising the rehabilitation of affected communities, while acknowledging the support of donors and the district administration that made the distribution possible.
SP Investigation Sajid Hussain Gondal described the initiative as an expression of social responsibility. Raja Rizwan Ahmed said the foundation’s work goes beyond immediate relief, aiming for long-term rehabilitation through initiatives in education, healthcare, clean water and emergency response, reflecting a broader strategy to restore normalcy for families who lost homes and incomes.
Irfan Younas said the cash assistance would help families rebuild houses and revive livelihoods. Officials noted that heavy rains in July last year impacted 173 villages in the district and damaged 2,973 houses; despite recommended compensation, many families had not received adequate support before this intervention.
The ceremony concluded with the Deputy Commissioner personally handing cheques to the beneficiaries, who expressed gratitude and described the aid as a source of renewed hope for reconstruction and recovery under the Alkhidmat relief programme.
