Pakistan Foreign Office Women's Association (PFOWA) was formed in 1947 by Mrs. Shaista. M. lkramullah as the first President. It is a non-political, non-profit, charitable organization, dedicated to welfare of the low-paid employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their families. It aims to assist their children with education and provide financial help to the widows of the Foreign Office staff and extends a helping hand in cases requiring medical assistance. Spouses of all foreign office officials and lady officers of the Ministry are members of PFOWA.
The main source of fundraising for the welfare work performed has been the Charity Shows/Bazaars that are held annually. Various Pakistani Missions Abroad, Foreign Minister's Office and Foreign Secretary’s Office also give financial aid to the institution. The institution also accepts donations from other charitable individuals and works with the following aims and objectives (Article Ill of PFOWA’s constitution).
To provide course books/note books to a maximum number of three children of the employees up to the level of F.A./F.Sc. lf funds are available; the Executive Committee may decide to provide course books/notebooks up to the level of B.A./B.Sc. To grant a limited number of scholarships annually for higher education in Pakistan on the Basis of merit
PFOWA provides a limited number of scholarships annually to outstanding and deserving students from among the children of BPS 1-15 employees of the Foreign Ministry for higher education in Pakistan.
PFOWA donated books/notebooks to about one thousand children of BPS1-15 employees of the Foreign Ministry for the current academic year.
To provide assistance in these areas which are not covered by the Government health policy. As a general rule expenditure undertaken in the past will not be reimbursed. To provide advice on family planning and general hygiene.
To provide assistance in deserving cases on an individual basis Cases referred to the PFOWA Social Welfare Committee shall be verified personally by the Secretary and Co-Secretary of Social Welfare and the decisions to assist the individuals concerned shall be taken by the Executive Committee on the merit of each case.
Subject to the availability of funds, the Association may also consider the following: