Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT), known for its significant charitable work in Pakistan over the past 18 years, has recently made a profound difference in the lives of 30 widows and their children. They have handed over the keys to new homes, providing these families with a secure and stable living environment. 

Under the leadership of chairman Chaudhry Mohammed Akhtar, the KORT Widow Housing Project was launched a year ago. The project aimed to build 100 two-room dwellings in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) to provide homes for widows and their children. 

At a ceremony in Muzaffarabad, the keys to the first 30 houses, located in Muzaffarabad, the Neelum Valley, and Leepa Valley, were handed over to 30 deserving beneficiaries. 

Ch Akhtar said: “KORT took this initiative a year ago and decided to build 10 houses in each of AJK’s districts. 

“Some 30,000 young widows and children are in desperate need of housing, and we have committed to assist these vulnerable individuals. 

“We began work a year ago to provide a shelter for needy and deserving widows with small children who don’t have a roof over their heads. 

“I’d like to thank our donors across the world, particularly those in the UK, who have always come to our assistance whenever we have asked for it in support of KORT.” 

He added: “For them to grant guardianship of their donations to KORT for our projects for the needy is a huge honour – one which we take great care to ensure is delivered to those who need help the most.” 

Ayesha Bostaan, one of the recipients of the homes, said: “We all remember those who stand by you when you have nothing, during your most testing times. 

“For most people here, having a two-bedroom home is difficult, and for people like us (widows) – It’s impossible to even begin to dream about having a two-room house. 

“I put my case forward to KORT, and I was accepted. I am eternally grateful to KORT and their chairman, Chaudhry Mohammed Akhtar, for giving me and my young children shelter.”