Volunteering in Pakistan

By Heather Carreiro On April 5, 2010 · 54 Comments

Tweet

All photos by Heather and Duarte Carreiro

In Pakistan, you will not find short-term volunteer opportunities that cater to the traveler or combine volunteering with tourism.

If you are looking for raw volunteering, without extras like pre-dawn yoga classes and sunset trips to the Taj, there are several organizations you can get involved with in Pakistan. Since there isn’t an infrastructure for casual volunteering, applicants are expected to commit at least six months for the majority of volunteer positions.

Alternatively, you could sign up for a short-term work camp or visit a local NGO during your travels to see if there are any opportunities available.

Volunteer Service International (VSO)

VSO is one of the international organizations that has stuck it out in Pakistan when other companies and NGOs have pulled out. In Pakistan, VSO places volunteers in three fields: education, HIV and AIDS, and participation and governance awareness. Each VSO volunteer works directly with a local NGO, school or institution.

A limited number of short-term assignments of three to six months are available, but most volunteers sign a two-year contract. Volunteer benefits include training, transportation, accommodation, life and health insurance, and necessary vaccinations.

VSO also applies for and secures volunteers a work or NGO visa, which can be an onerous and lengthy process if you try to do it yourself. Volunteers comfortably have enough for a modest living, although if you want to travel and splurge on mocha lattés, you’ll need to have some cash reserves.

Applicants must have professional training and at least two years work experience. When you apply, VSO matches your professional profile with open positions around the world. Teacher trainers and curriculum development specialists stand a good chance of being able to find a position in Pakistan.

United Nations Volunteers

If you’re over 25 with a degree and two years of work experience, you can apply to be a UN volunteer in Pakistan. Renewable contracts are offered for six to 12 months, although volunteers are expected to commit at least one year to a specific post.

Some of the projects that UN volunteers have been involved with in Pakistan include human rights advocacy, earthquake relief and recovery, and working with Afghan refugees. Volunteers are provided with a living allowance, settling-in grant, travel expenses, life insurance, and health insurance.

Whereas VSO workers often find themselves working with other foreigners, UN volunteers should be prepared to work independently and live in more remote regions.

World Wildlife Federation

Located in Lahore, WWF Pakistan is involved with a variety of countrywide conservation projects. If your background is in environmental protection, agriculture, climate change, or wildlife management, you can apply to volunteer with WWF. Current projects include an initiative for sustainable cotton farming, ensuring water security in the Indus River Basin, restoring the native vulture population, and protecting Pakistani wetlands and highlands.

Most employees at the WWF Lahore base are locals, but international volunteers are welcome to contact Maryam Aurangzeb to find out how you can get involved.

Service Civil International

More than 5,000 volunteers filter through SCI’s short-term work camps in over 60 countries each year. In previous years, Pakistan has hosted SCI volunteer teams for work camps two to three weeks in duration. Camp work often involves physical labor and collaborating with community organizations.

“Since there isn’t an infrastructure for casual volunteering, applicants are expected to commit at least six months for the majority of volunteer positions.”

To sign up for a work camp, you’ll need to pay a $35 annual membership fee plus $235 for participation in the camp. All travel related costs are the responsibility of the volunteer. No camps have been listed yet for Pakistan in 2010, but you can check SCI’s news page to find out when new camps are added.

Applicants must be at least 21 to apply, but no technical skills are necessary for general volunteers.

Remember, if you accept a volunteer position with benefits or a stipend, you will need to apply for a valid work or NGO visa. Be wary of any volunteer organization that cannot provide a visa, as it can be nearly impossible to get one on your own. The visa application process can take anywhere from two months to an entire year, so if you’d like to volunteer in Pakistan, it’s essential to plan ahead.

If you plan on visiting Pakistan as a tourist and offering a few hours or days of your time to a local NGO, you should be fine with a tourist visa. Just don’t mention the volunteer part when you are going through immigration so as not to raise any eyebrows or rob your wallet of a few thousand rupees in “fines.”

Community Connection:

Check out our Middle East Travel Focus Page for more articles about Pakistan.

About The Author

Heather Carreiro

Heather is a secondary English teacher, travel writer and editor who has lived in Morocco and Pakistan. She enjoys jamming on the bass, haggling over saris in dusty markets and cross-country jumping on horseback. Currently she's a grad student attempting to wrap her tongue around Middle English, analyze South Asian literature and eat enough to make her Portuguese mother-in-law happy. Learn more on her blog at ExpatHeather.com.

More By This Author

view all → Heather Carreiro

http://nancythegnomette.com Nancy

Thanks for this article, Heather. One of my friends is Pakistani and ever since getting to know him I’ve been wanting to travel to the country. Volunteering in Pakistan would be a great way to go.
Imran Schah

Thanks Heather for the valuable blog.
Besides that the volunteers could come to Chitral and teach in the local schools, there is always a dire need of volunteer teachers in this region.

Ciao,
http://www.expatheather.com Heather Carreiro

Imran has definitely touched on another need. I think almost any village would be happy to host a volunteer English teacher. The photo of those schoolchildren was taken in Misgar village, which is snowboard six months out of the year and can only be reached by jeep road. When I visited there with an NGO worker friend, the head of the village asked me if I wanted to stay in their village and teach at the local school. It was an enticing offer, but I already had a job working with an NGO in Lahore.
Zaheera

Hey, just’d like to say thanks for info.. I alwyas wanted to volunteer in Pakistan but there never seemed to be a place for all the info….
liaqat hussain

it would be highly appreciated if some one can volunteer the young business entrepreneurs from Hunza Valley who are trying to invest in Chinese export business.
you may please contact on my e mail.
liaqat
http://matadortrips.com/6-ways-to-experience-art-and-culture-in-lahore-pakistan 6 Ways to Experience Art and Culture in Lahore, Pakistan

[...] Heather talks volunteering over at Change in her piece Volunteering in Pakistan. [...]
Ersa

hey Heather,
I am pakistani and i am very much interested in working for my people. I will love to volunteer if i get a chance. Please let me know if you have any job or need for volunteer. Currently i am teaching at karachi school.
http://www.expatheather.com Heather

Hi Ersa,

The organizations listed are more for connecting people to come to Pakistan and volunteer long term, but if you want to find part-time volunteer opportunities in Karachi it’s best to ask around at local NGOs.

You can check classifieds for non-profit jobs in Karachi here to get some ideas.
http://-- Ahmad Butt

hi
i haven`t idea about the work ov NGO`s…but dlebratley wanna work for it in Pakistan..Although i am student in 2nd (MEDICAL) so plz if any consulation for me den leme knw.
tc
sumiya

hi

i am interested in vollunteering in pakistan specially work involving with young children. if there is anything available plz let me knw.
Haseeb

hi heather,
im an engineering student on a break these days, i live in Lahore and would love to help …as a volunteer for a short term period. can u please guide me … where and how to start off?
thanks
http://www.expatheather.com Heather

Hi Haseeb. As my background is mostly in education development, I’m not sure about opportunities for volunteering in the engineering field. Right now, I think one of the areas where help is most needed is in relief for flood victims. Listen to radio station City FM 89 where I’m sure the DJs will let listeners know how they can help.
Zakia N

I was woundering if anyone could give me some information re how i would go about volunteering in pakistan. I have come across alot of information but nothing as to what i do go get there.
Thanks
http://www.expatheather.com Heather

Zakia, you should contact the organizations described above. It’s hard to find short-term volunteering options unless you’re already on the ground and connected with people, but there are some fully organized long-term (6 months or more) volunteer opportunities.
weedee

Hi heather, im from Indonesia, my background education in health sector, so would u mind to let me know, how can i get there and being a volunteer in pakistan, it will be fine if it is also long term contract. i really want to give some work for the victims of flood in there, beside its been so long i really want to visit paksitan but still facing hard thing to get there. Pls guide me heather. THank you

Regard
http://expatheather.com Heather

Hi Weedee,

If you’re looking for long term opportunities, you should contact the organizations listed in the above article. Many smaller grassroots organizations, the Pakistani government and and local fund drives are working together to help the current flood victims, but it is unlikely that those organizations have the structure in place to grant NGO visas to foreigners. Keep in mind that the application process for long term visas cant take 6 months or more. When the earthquake happened in 2008, the government temporarily lifted visas restrictions to bring in international aid workers, although I’m not sure what arrangements are in place now.

Heather
adeela

i am just going to finish my m.b.a i,m from multanbut i,ll love to have this job by my self i can do this job well i,ll wait for your reply
adeela

please guide me how can i get this job i,m really energatic and anthusiastic i really want this job reply me please i m just going to finish my m.b.a n from multan i really want to give work for flood victims of my pakistan
http://expatheather.com Heather

Hi Adeela,

The best thing to do is to contact local NGOs about possible volunteer positions. The organizations listed above are international organizations that can help get foreigners visas, but if you are a Pakistani then you will have many more options. As I haven’t lived in Multan, I don’t know of any specific NGOs based there that do work with flood victims.

You can contact radio station City FM 89 (which often interviews aid workers and volunteers and provides listeners ways to donate to relief efforts) to see if they can give you any leads.

http://www.cityfm89.com

Heather
ayesha razak

Hi Heather,
Your article above was really useful, as a british citizen with strong family links in Pakistan, I have always wanted to volunteer and have not been able to do so.

There doesn’t seem to be a better time to actually go ahead with this then how, with the floods, and as I live in the UK, are you able to recommend any charities I can conact either her or in Pakistan, to arrange a few weeks of olunteering out there to help and support the victims of the floods? I am happy to pay my own flights and accomodation, but have no idea where to stay and what to do when Im there and would really appreciate your help.

If you are ablet o email me directly, I can pass on my number, or call you myself, if that’s easier.

Kind Regards,
Ayesha fro Milton Keynes, UK
http://expatheather.com Heather

Hi Ayesha,

Great to hear about your heart for Pakistan. As with any large scale humanitarian disaster, what is really needed right now in Pakistan is trained first responders and crisis administrators. Although it’s tempting to want to jump on a plane and head over to do something right now, it may be more effective to wait and organize a longer-term volunteer opportunity. The villages affected will need to be completely rebuilt in the coming months and years. Right now what is needed is emergency food and shelter and money to finance the emergency aid.

One organization I know personally that is doing this on a local level is <a href=Shining Light Community Development NGO/a> based in Gilgit. They are supporting villagers from the Yasin Valley. As they already have people on the ground who are familiar with the local area and languages, what they really need now to help the villagers is more funds.

If you want to help Pakistan rebuild, I suggest you think about what your unique skills are that can be of use in community development. For me, it’s education development and teacher training. I’ve also decided during my time back in the US to become a certified disaster response leader so I can be more prepared to to jump into a helpful role when situations arise. You can sign up to be trained with your local Red Cross chapter and become a volunteer. This can enable you to attend trainings for international relief in the future after you have some experience. You will learn things like shelter management, first aid and CPR.

Since you are based in the UK, you can get in touch with VSO for long-term (2 years) volunteer opportunities, although when you apply there is no guarantee of where you will be posted. At this point, the best way those of us outside the country (who have no experience in disaster management) can help is to donate money, plan for a long-term volunteer or work experience in Pakistan and send your prayers.

Heather
http://expatheather.com Heather

Woops I messed up with the website on that previous comment:

http://www.shininglightngo.com/
Sajjad Gilani

Hi Heather,
My name is Sajjad Gilani, I am from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. I am a fresh Masters in Management/ Administration coupled with almost two years of experience. Finished with my studies recently, I have found some free time to work with an NGO in Pakistan as a Volunteer/Intern/Trainee.
Considering the situation in my country, I think I could help any NGO with my skill set, in completion of the humanitarian aid and rehabilitation of the troubled masses. affected by these recent floods.
Do you have any contacts that I could utilize for the achievement of this purpose ?
Your guidance will be highly appreciated.

Thanks and Regards.
Sajjad Gilani
Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Ph#+ 923339318464
Email-ghazigilani@gmail.com
http://expatheather.com Heather

Hey Sajjad,

I’m back in the US now and unfortunately don’t have any contacts in Rawalpindi. Perhaps you could contact the UN office and try to find out what local NGOs are working in the area? Sorry I can’t be of more help!

I originally found the NGO I worked with in Lahore through word of mouth. It was tough to track info down on the internet for these kind of grassroots organizations.

Best,

Heather
Sayed

hey Nancy, I’m thinking of going to volunteer at the flood victims site for a couple fo weeks I’m here in Pakistan, if you’re interested mail me on sayedshazee@gmail.com
Irum

Hi Heather
Thanks a lot for this post, its a good starting point. I am a Paksitani citizin but have been living in europe for the past 13 years, and really have the desire to go back for a volunterring opportunity (6 months to a year). My background is in Finance, and i am inetrested in voluntering opportunites in children’s education or voilence againt women. Would you like to share which NGO you worked for in Lahore and how was your experience.
Thanks
http://expatheather.com Heather

Hi Irum!

I worked with the Ali Institute of Education, a teacher training facility in Lahore. The majority of their faculty and staff are from Pakistan, although they also have a few VSO volunteers on hand at most points. You can learn more here:

http://www.aie.edu.pk
Rahim zaib

Hi Heather

I Am very much interested in volunteering, I am coming to Pakistan this january, Please tell me the procedure to follow.

Thanks

Rahim
Asad

hey Nancy, I’m thinking of going to volunteer at the flood victims site for a couple fo weeks I’m here in Pakistan, if you’re interested mail me on
Sabreen

Hi Heather,

I’m currently a first year business student and this summer (April-August 2011) I will be visiting Karachi, Pakistan. I love volunteering and helping out those that need it. Since I was born in Pakistan and currently live in Canada, I would love to have the opportunity to give back to Pakistan. I feel it will not only be beneficial volunteering to whom I help, but it will foster my growth as an individual.

I’m having troubles finding any volunteer opportunities for a student like me, with not much experience. Would you happen to know any organization I can do this from (in Karachi preferably).

Thanks so much!
Heather Carreiro

Hi Sabreen,

Unfortunately I don’t know of anything in Karachi off the top of my head (I actually never visited there – was based in Lahore during my three years in Pakistan). It’s hard to find short term opportunities unless you’re already – one place I only know OF that runs teacher training sessions is the Teacher’s Resource Centre in Karachi.

Basic contact info here:

http://www.phonebook.com.pk/dynamic/companydetail.aspx?comp_id=59731

They’re not likely to need random volunteers though (like most places in Pakistan) and I’d say it’s probably only worth calling if you have some experience in education/ESL/teacher training.

Heather
Iman

Hi Heather,
I’m a high school student in America. I’m from Pakistan and have relatives in Lahore, and am planning on going there this summer. I would really really like to find a place (in Lahore) to volunteer while I’m there, preferably something relating to human rights, poverty, aid, or refugees. I checked, and most volunteer abroad programs for teens don’t go to Pakistan. Do you know of anything I could do?
Iman

I’m going for the whole summer, so I could do something for a little less than 3 months.
http://expatheather.com Heather

Hi Iman!

Glad to hear you’ll be spending some time in Lahore. Unfortunately there are not many organized volunteer efforts for people coming from abroad. Short-term and informal volunteer tends to happen on a much more grass roots level based on family connections rather than through organizations, so it would be best to ask your family members if they know of anything you can do or any particular people you can work with. More formal, organized volunteer efforts are pretty much limited to full-time professionals who are going to Pakistan long term.

Hope you have a great trip,

Heather
Iman

I have an uncle who works in NGOs there, so I’ll ask him- thanks Heather!
http://expatheather.com Heather

That’s great! On the ground connections are the best ways to find opportunities. I found out about the Ali Institute (where I worked) through a friend in Lahore. Do come back to Matador and share about your experience in the comments here or via your Matador Travel profile!
Masood

Hi

I m a chartered accountancy student…doing articles in lahore. i m free at evenings.i wanna volunteer my services for any good cause to any NGO in lahore . Can you provide me details or contact no. where i can volunteer.

Please email me the details if u can

Regards
Irfan Haider

Hi Heather,My name is Irfan Haider. I am from Kurram Agency(FATA).I am Student at University of Peshawar.You know these days situation in FATA is very bad.There is no good education and other basic needs.I want to work with an Organization as Volunteer.If you can help me please reply me. Thanks. Irfan Haider. irfi92@yahoo.com
Syeda Hussaini

hey Heather…I am an undergraduate senior in new york. how much exactly is the cost expense for this? and the benefits? like housing and such? thanks
Syeda Hussaini

hey Heather…I am an undergraduate senior in new york. how much exactly is the cost expense for this? and the benefits? like housing and such? thanks
Farhanhaiderpk

hello my name is farhan haider from hangu,KPK, Pakistan.i complete my BS Hons Biotechnology now i m lecturer in a college from few months..so i am quite interested in volunteering whether it will be permanent or for short time..
kind regards
farhan haider
farhanhaiderpk(at)gmail.com
+923339686688
Saniya Sheikh

Hi heather!
Im saniya sheikh from Karachi,Pakistan. I am interested in volunteering for my country please let me know the details and the entire process thnks
Saniya Sheikh

Hi heather!
Im saniya sheikh from Karachi,Pakistan. I am interested in volunteering for my country please let me know the details and the entire process thnks
Ibadathunzai

Hi Heather,

I look for a volunteer job preferably in Monitoring & Evaluation field. I have done masters in Sociology and have extensive experience in the M&E. I would love to work under your jurisdiction. I believe I can contribute a lot to your organization if inducted. My email address is ibadathunzai@gmail.com
Ibadathunzai

Hi Heather,

I look for a volunteer job preferably in Monitoring & Evaluation field. I have done masters in Sociology and have extensive experience in the M&E. I would love to work under your jurisdiction. I believe I can contribute a lot to your organization if inducted. My email address is ibadathunzai@gmail.com
Nabibux

need a job . nabibuxtasveer@yahoo.com
Nabibux

need a job . nabibuxtasveer@yahoo.com
hani khan

i m ready 2 volunteer myself for my country & my counry
peolple…
Shabbarraza2000

I am also interested to volunteer in my beloved country Pakistan.
Shabbarraza2000

I am also interested to volunteer in my beloved country Pakistan.
Ashaikh

Hi,
I want to something to help the country. Please help me to find an opportunity.
Anonymous

I am ready for do some thing for my country
Anonymous

I am ready for do some thing for my country
Abdul Haq

Hi Heather Carreiro. I am a Pakistani Citizen and businessman by profession. I deal in agricultural products’ whole sale dealing. This is usually a seasonal work. From February till start of June I have Off-season. During this period, I get bored or go to abroad for visit. I was visiting NAT GEO’S website to work as volunteer then I got your details. My age is 39 years. I have done my masters in Economics from Punjab University. I live in Pakpattan, Punjab. I also know a lot about Lahore and Islamabad because I spent more than 12-years of my life in Lahore. So if there is any volunteer opportunity for me during that period, kindly feel free to contact me. I will be glad to hear from you. I am ready to bear all expenses relating to me for this noble cause. My e-mail address is abdulhaq3642@hotmail.com.

Volunteering in Pakistan

Volunteer Service International (VSO)

United Nations Volunteers

World Wildlife Federation

Service Civil International

Community Connection:

Related Posts

Heather Carreiro

More By This Author

Subscribe to Matador

The best travel articles each week. No spam.

Breaking stories, announcements, events, and more.

In partnership with Matador

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Feature

Matador Network © 2006-2011

About Matador

Sections

Become a Contributor

New Media School