HYDERABAD:SAFCO has launched an annual Umrah programme under which two permanent employees will be selected each year to perform Umrah, with the first two beneficiaries chosen through a transparent, computerised draw held at the organisation’s head office in Hyderabad.
The first beneficiaries are Shehzado Nounari, a driver at SAFCO’s head office, and Ashfaq Ali Abro, a Business Development Officer based in Mehrabpur. The selection process involved employees across all levels of the organisation, from senior management to frontline staff. Head-office employees witnessed the draw in person, while staff from branches and field offices participated online.
Speaking at the event, Dr Muhammad Suleman G. Abro, Founder of SAFCO, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to employee welfare and well-being. He highlighted the range of benefits available to employees, including healthcare, insurance and a provident fund, and said SAFCO continued to explore additional facilities to strengthen staff support.
Dr Abro said the annual Umrah programme was an extension of SAFCO’s broader commitment to recognising employees’ contributions and improving their quality of life.
He also emphasised that, where applicable, arrangements for religious visits or pilgrimages would respect the beliefs and sectarian affiliations of the employees selected.
Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Managing Director of SAFCO Microfinance, said the programme had been designed to provide equal opportunity to permanent employees at all organisational levels. He noted that the computerised draw ensured a transparent selection process, allowing both head-office and field-based employees to participate.
He acknowledged Dr Abro’s longstanding commitment to putting employees’ interests at the centre of organisational priorities, adding that the initiative reflected SAFCO’s belief that employee welfare is an essential part of responsible institutional leadership.
Salman Naqvi, Head of Channel and Pension Management at Pak Qatar Group, commended SAFCO’s leadership for introducing an initiative that supports employees’ personal and spiritual aspirations. He said two employees would initially benefit from the programme each year, with the possibility of increasing the number of beneficiaries as the initiative expands.
He also indicated that additional financial facilities for SAFCO employees were being considered.
Regional Head Muhammad Shahbaz also addressed the gathering. Other speakers, including Bashir Ahmed Abro, Harish Kumar, Rameez Iqbal and Falak Ali, highlighted the importance of financial literacy, regular savings and financial planning for future needs. They expressed optimism that initiatives such as the Umrah programme would strengthen employee motivation and contribute to a more supportive workplace culture.
The two selected employees expressed heartfelt gratitude to Allah and appreciation to SAFCO’s leadership for providing them with this opportunity. Shehzado Noonari, speaking from the head office, and Ashfaq Ali Abro, who joined the event online from the field, shared that they had never imagined being able to afford the expenses associated with performing Umrah.
Both beneficiaries thanked SAFCO for making this spiritual journey possible, describing the opportunity as a meaningful and memorable moment in their lives.
Through initiatives such as the annual Umrah programme, SAFCO continues to strengthen its focus on employee welfare, inclusion and recognition, reflecting its broader commitment to building an organisation where employees at every level are valued and supported.