POWERING KARACHI’S FUTURE

awards

Karachi - a city that never sleeps, thrives on resilience, and runs on the relentless energy of its people. It’s a place where everyday heroes work behind the scenes to uplift communities, support those in need, and drive meaningful change. But sometimes, even heroes deserve a spotlight. That’s exactly what K-Electric’s KHI Awards 4.0 set out to do - honour the people who are shaping Karachi’s future, one impactful initiative at a time. This year, the KHI Awards wrapped up its fourth edition with an electrifying ceremony that recognised 45 outstanding organisations across 13 categories. The best part? KE amped things up - literally - by increasing the total grant allocation by a whopping 50 per cent compared to last year. That means more support, more impact, and more communities benefitting from these life-changing projects. And in a nod to KE’s mission, the grants will be distributed in the form of electricity rebates, ensuring that these change makers can keep their lights shining - both metaphorically and literally. A record-breaking 166 applications poured in this year, with 41 first-time participants joining the mix. Following a meticulous selection process, 129 applicants reached the final stage, where they pitched their projects before an independent jury. The winners embodied the spirit of ‘Khidmat Ka Jazba Rahe Roshan Sada,’ proving once again that Karachi’s soul is built on service and community. From public health and education to sustainability, digital accessibility, and cultural preservation, these awards spanned every corner of social impact. Whether supporting underprivileged students, providing healthcare, or safeguarding Karachi’s heritage, the winners demonstrated that real progress happens when people come together for a cause greater than themselves.

For K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi, this was more than a ceremony - it was a movement. “The KHI Awards have become a platform that not only celebrates change makers but also brings them together to scale their impact. And this year, we’ve raised the stakes, increasing the reward amount to PKR 60 million. This reflects our unwavering belief in the power of community-driven change.”

Fairness and transparency were at the heart of the process. Chairperson of the KHI Awards Jury, Saad Amanullah Khan, highlighted its credibility, “No single entity can drive progress alone - it takes an ecosystem of change makers working together. The KHI Awards act as a catalyst for collaboration, ensuring recognition is purely on merit, thanks to an independent jury and a globally recognised audit firm.”

The initiative’s meticulous design ensures equity in corporate giving. Sadia Dada, Chief Distribution and Marcomms Officer at K-Electric, shared how it’s about more than just funding. “This is about building a system that creates real impact. With 166 organisations stepping forward this year, we wanted to ensure the most deserving ones were recognised. A special shout out to the nine women-led organisations among our winners - proof that women are driving meaningful change in Karachi’s socio-economic landscape.”

The winners were nothing short of inspiring. KDSP, KVTC, Saylani, Kharadar General Hospital, and GIA stood out, securing two awards each for their exceptional work across multiple categories. Meanwhile, HANDS, Indus Hospital, LRBT, and Bait-ul-Sukoon continued to set benchmarks for social impact. Among the 10 first-time winners were Durbeen, Dream Foundation Trust, Tehrik-e-Niswan, Charter for Compassion, Ulphat Welfare Organisation, Dua Foundation, Transparent Hands, Shine Humanity, and Mehrdar Art & Production - proving that impact isn’t about tenure but dedication.

Year after year, the KHI Awards grow bigger, bolder, and more influential. More than just trophies, they foster networks and partnerships, strengthening Karachi’s ecosystem of change. As the night ended, one thing was certain: the city’s future is in good hands. From healthcare champions and education advocates to environmentalists and cultural custodians, these winners are building a Karachi that thrives on compassion, collaboration, and community-driven progress.

- You! desk