Al Mustafa Welfare Trust responds as Pakistan-India tensions boil over, humanitarian disaster looms
PAKISTAN – Al Mustafa Welfare Trust has deployed emergency teams as Pakistan-India tensions reach a boiling point and violence along the Line of Control worsens, threatening to create a massive humanitarian crisis.
The current situation, the worst in years, has already claimed dozens of civilian lives including children. Airstrikes, drone attacks and shelling have hit several areas near the border. In one tragic incident, a missile strike on a mosque in Bahawalpur, Punjab killed a child and damaged critical infrastructure.
Al Mustafa aid workers in Pakistan-administered Kashmir report that many families have fled their homes and are sheltering in temporary camps set up in schools. More displacement is expected if the situation continues to deteriorate.
“Wars are never the solution. They only create humanitarian crises that harm the most vulnerable,” said Rizwana Latif, Trustee of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust. “As airspace is closed and hostilities intensify, we are on the ground and ready to respond wherever needed.”
Indus Water Treaty suspended, crisis deepens
The crisis is further worsened by the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. This has cut water access to 80% of Pakistan’s irrigated farmland, threatening food security for millions of people who depend on agriculture for survival.
Urgent support and de-escalation needed
Al Mustafa Welfare Trust is working with local authorities to coordinate the response. But further escalation could quickly overwhelm the country’s already fragile infrastructure.
“Our hospitals are ready, our emergency teams are deployed and our Dastarkhan program is ready to feed families across Pakistan,” said Ms. Latif. “But we can’t do this alone. We need our supporters and donors to stand with us.”
The organization joins other humanitarian voices in calling for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, warning that more military action will only worsen human suffering.
Emergency plans already in place
Al Mustafa Welfare Trust has launched a comprehensive emergency response plan to support displaced and affected families across the region.
Preparations include:
Hospitals on standby
Al Mustafa Hospital and other facilities are equipped and staffed for emergency trauma response.
Volunteers mobilised
Over 500 volunteers have registered for blood donation and frontline relief work.
Evacuation sites prepared
Designated safe zones and shelters are being set up to house displaced families.
Emergency relief distribution
● Medical kits and emergency health supplies
● Hygiene kits for displaced families
●Emergency food packs through the Dastarkhan feeding program
● Temporary shelter materials, including tents and blankets