The world is celebrating the International Volunteers’ Day today (December 5) to highlight the valuable services of volunteers, their contribution for social and economic development.

In Islam, there is a strong ethic of volunteerism. Islam also greatly values the voluntary work done for fellow human beings and promises many rewards for such people. Pakistan has a strong tradition of volunteering, as evidenced by its large voluntary part in October 2005 earthquake and the recent disaster of floods in 2010. Pakistan considers volunteerism to be one of the most important tools for addressing problem of exclusion. It provides a vehicle for empowering the excluded population groups to gain access to opportunities. Pakistan believes volunteerism a valuable asset, which needs to be strategically factored into development, polices and programmes.

Local voluntary involvement is always a valuable and indispensable contribution to the improvement of social indicators, promotion of economic development and empowerment of people to take charge. It reinforces a sense of collective responsibility and brings about a tangible difference to the lives of many.

For this purpose, Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education has intended to celebrate this Day through National Council of Social Welfare and its projects and centres located throughout the country.