Kashmir International Relief Fund (KIRF) has a rich history of serving humanity and providing humanitarian aid to those in need. Established in the early 1990s, KIRF has been working tirelessly to uplift the poor and underprivileged segments of society in rural and far-flung areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Early Beginnings (1992)
KIRF’s journey began in March 1992, when a group of Kashmiris residing in the UK visited the control line of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and witnessed the dire living conditions of people affected by Indian army firing. Moved by their plight, they established the Kashmir Welfare Association, which later evolved into KIRF.
Humanitarian Work
Over the years, KIRF has provided relief to migrants in camps, distributed food and clothing to those in need, and initiated projects to provide drinking water schemes, primary schools, and housing support to communities. KIRF has also collaborated with international partners to provide medical assistance and vocational training to women.
Healthcare Services
KIRF’s healthcare initiatives began with running a healthcare unit at Douwarian, District Athmugam, in collaboration with the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, KIRF supplied medicines to BHU Pattikka, District Muzaffarabad, on a monthly basis for patients. KIRF also organized free medical camps and eye camps in different areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, starting from 1998, to provide medical care to those in need.
Qurbani Project
KIRF has been implementing Qurbani projects on Eid ul Adha, distributing meat to poor people in far-flung areas, ensuring that they benefit from this sacred occasion.
Registrations
KIRF is registered with the following authorities:
Industrial Department, Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (2003)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council (2005)
Social Welfare Department, Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (2022), Registration #DSW/NGO/Cert/67/2022
AJ&K Charities Commission (2023), Registration #AJKCC/002/2023
KIRF Community Hospital Jatlan
One of KIRF’s most notable achievements is the establishment of the KIRF Community Hospital Jatlan. Founded by Mr. Ishfag Ahmed, the hospital’s foundation stone was laid on March 31, 2003, by Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan, the then President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The hospital became operational on October 1, 2005.
Post-Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation (2005)
Following the devastating earthquake on October 8, 2005, KIRF provided emergency relief to affected communities in District Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh. KIRF supported the rehabilitation of affected families by providing over 2,000 shelter homes to families in Bagh and Pattikka.
Rehabilitation in Samwal Sharif (2006)
In 2006, KIRF supported the rehabilitation of earthquake-affected families in Samwal Sharif and its surroundings, providing financial assistance to rebuild damaged homes.
Earthquake Response in Jatlan (2019)
When a powerful earthquake struck Mirpur District on September 24, 2019, KIRF Community Hospital Jatlan played a vital role in providing emergency medical services, helping save the lives of injured victims. The hospital’s timely medical intervention saved countless lives. KIRF also provided emergency relief to affected families, including drinking water, food items, tents, and supported their rehabilitation with financial assistance in collaboration with PakTrust London and Waltham Forest Islamic Association London.
Kidney Dialysis Centre Jatlan
KIRF established a Kidney Dialysis Centre in Jatlan, with construction starting in 2020 and an opening ceremony held on June 10, 2021. The Centre provides free dialysis facilities to kidney failure patients.
Flood Relief in Rajanpur (2022)
During the 2022 floods, KIRF responded to the needs of affected communities in Rajanpur District. A team of volunteers provided medical treatment, meals, and mosquito control measures to prevent malaria. KIRF also installed 50 hand pumps and provided shelter to 50 families.
Continued Commitment
Today, KIRF continues to work tirelessly to serve humanity and provide humanitarian aid to those in need. With a strong foundation built over the years, KIRF remains committed to its mission of uplifting the poor and underprivileged segments of society in rural and far-flung areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Dissolution of KIRF UK and Partnership with PakTrust London
Due to internal disputes among trustees, KIRF was dissolved in the UK. However, to continue fundraising efforts, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with PakTrust London on October 30, 2019. This partnership enables KIRF to receive funding and remittances from the UK to support its humanitarian work in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.