Pakistan Poverty Minister to Address 30,000 in Chicago
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Pir Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, is set to highlight Pakistan’s poverty reduction efforts on an international platform as he addresses thousands of participants at the annual Turkish Festival in Chicago next month.
The minister will travel to the United States to attend the two-day festival, organised by the Zakat Foundation of America (ZFA), on August 1–2, 2026, where more than 30,000 people from Turkish, Pakistani, Muslim-American and interfaith communities are expected to participate.
During the event, Shah will deliver a keynote address titled “Poverty: A Global Threat,” focusing on the growing challenge of poverty worldwide, factors driving economic hardship, and the need for stronger social protection systems.
The minister is expected to highlight Pakistan’s experience with major welfare initiatives, including the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, while discussing possible global approaches to tackling poverty.
Shah will also participate in a panel discussion on “The Enduring Legacy of Mawlana Rumi”, exploring the influence of the 13th-century poet and mystic on contemporary Muslim societies, the role of Sufism in the region, and Rumi’s continuing relevance across the Muslim world.
The visit comes as the Zakat Foundation of America highlights its nearly two-decade humanitarian partnership with Pakistan. Through its Islamabad office, the organisation says it has provided assistance to more than 750,000 people and over 100,000 families through food aid, flood relief, housing reconstruction, healthcare initiatives and orphan support programmes.
The Chicago Turkish Festival will feature cultural performances, traditional cuisine, exhibitions and community activities, with Shah’s address and panel discussion forming key parts of the programme.
The Zakat Foundation of America, a Chicago-based charity, operates humanitarian and development programmes in the United States and several countries, including Pakistan, with a focus on poverty alleviation, healthcare and food security.
