A British-Pakistani has given away his entire life savings to build 35 new schools for children in the earthquake-affected areas of Azad Kashmir.
Chaudhary Muhammad Aslam, who is originally from Mirpur, spent almost 50 years working in the United Kingdom, where he managed to buy five properties through years of hard work.
In 2023, Aslam returned to Azad Kashmir and was shocked to see that, even after more than 15 years since the devastating earthquake of 2005, many schools were still in ruins.
The earthquake had destroyed over 2,400 schools in the region. Aslam saw children in remote villages sitting on the ground, exposed to the sun, rain, and cold, trying to study without proper classrooms or basic facilities.
Deeply moved by the situation, Aslam decided to take action. He returned to the UK and made the difficult decision to sell all five of his houses. He donated all the money he received—amounting to crores of rupees—to help rebuild schools in Azad Kashmir.
Aslam partnered with Muslim Charity, a UK-based humanitarian organization, to make sure the funds were used effectively.
With his support, 35 modern schools have been built in the earthquake-affected districts of Bagh, Haveli, Pallandri, Rawalakot, and Muzaffarabad.
These schools are equipped with proper classrooms, furniture, and other facilities, giving thousands of children a safe and comfortable place to learn. The new buildings have replaced makeshift shelters and open-air classes, allowing students to focus on their studies in a better environment.