By: Misbah Naseer
The Citizens’ Foundation (TCF) continues its mission of transforming lives through quality education for underprivileged children in Pakistan. Founded in 1995 by six friends who believed education should be accessible to all, TCF has since established over 1,900 schools and provided education to more than 286,000 children across rural towns and villages in Pakistan. Through the dedication of its global chapters, including Vancouver, TCF raises essential funds to support this life-changing work.
On September 27, TCF Vancouver hosted its highly anticipated 2025 fundraising gala, bringing together community members for an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and generosity. The program began with a warm welcome by the evening’s MC, Bushra Tariq, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran by Iqra Mariwa. Guests were treated to beautiful performances by children and a thoughtful skit by youth exploring TCF’s origins and its ongoing mission to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Pakistan. Zahra Masum then provided an update on TCF’s progress over the year.
Aneeqa Khan, the Chief Operating Officer of TCF Canada, was also in attendance and shared moving stories of children whose lives had been transformed by TCF’s support. The highlight of the night was her on-stage interview with TCF alumnus Asad Sajid, a true success story who detailed his remarkable educational journey. Asad described graduating in 2011, joining a volunteer program that helped prepare students for university entrance exams, and ultimately earning his MBA at Pakistan’s prestigious university, IBA which was funded through 75% financial aid and 25% TCF support. He went on to complete a Master’s in Business Analytics on a Fulbright scholarship in the United States. Asad also spoke about his commitment to giving back, including teaching English and math, mentoring students to pursue higher education, and leading an alumni program at IBA for TCF students. He thanked everyone for their support that has made many of these success stories possible. His story resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the lasting, transformative impact of TCF.
The fundraising segment was led by Usman Nadeem and Adnan Rana. Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees, the gala raised more than $156K in donations and pledges, a record achievement for the Vancouver chapter and a significant step toward changing the lives of hundreds of children in Pakistan.
To close the night, guests were treated to an unforgettable musical performance by Gurmukh Singh, which brought energy, joy, and celebration to the room.
All in all, the 2025 TCF Vancouver Gala was an overwhelming success. With its inspiring stories, engaging performances, and the community’s collective generosity, the event not only met but surpassed expectations. This year’s gala reaffirmed TCF’s vision of breaking the cycle of poverty through education and showcased the power of a community united in its commitment to building a brighter future for Pakistan’s children.
