Our Mission & Legacy
The Omar Aftab Memorial Trust (OAMT) is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-religious registered charitable organization that has been transforming lives since its founding in 1996. Established in loving memory of Omar Aftab, the son of our Chairperson, Mrs. Tasneem Aftab, the Trust was born out of a deep desire to honor his legacy by making a lasting difference in the lives of underprivileged youth.
Why the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust?
In Pakistan, millions of children are denied basic education and nourishment, their dreams stifled by poverty and lack of opportunity. These children may never have the chance to rise above their circumstances unless someone steps in to offer them a helping hand. The Omar Aftab Memorial Trust was created to be that lifeline, committed to giving these talented young minds a chance to excel, to pursue their education, and to build a brighter, more hopeful future.
OAMT’s mission is to provide financial support and educational opportunities to the deserving youth of Pakistan who, without assistance, might never realize their full potential. We believe that by empowering the next generation, we are sowing the seeds for lasting societal change.
Our Core Objectives
The heart of the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust is rooted in a clear and unwavering commitment to:
Empowering Education
We provide scholarships and stipends to academically gifted yet financially disadvantaged students, enabling them to pursue higher education at some of Pakistan’s most esteemed institutions.
Expanding Access
By building and supporting modern educational facilities, we are dedicated to making quality education accessible to the needy in regions where such resources are scarce or non-existent.
Partnering for Progress
We collaborate with institutions and organizations already working toward similar goals, amplifying our collective impact to reach more students and change more lives.
Empowering Underprivileged Youth for a Brighter Future
Meet Our Team
Mrs. Tasneem Aftab
Founder & Chairperson
Mrs. Tasneem is a compassionate leader dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged communities. Her journey began with her work at Mother Children Home in Lagos, Nigeria, and continued with teaching English at SOS Village in Cairo, Egypt. She has since established schools, including Buniyad-e-Fatima School near Lahore. In 1996, after the tragic passing of her son, she founded the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust, working tirelessly to empower underprivileged youth. She also serves on the Board of Governors at Parvarish Foundation.
Mrs. Nazia Qureshi
Vice Chairperson
A seasoned banking professional with over 24 years of experience, Nazia Qureshi joined Omar Aftab Memorial Trust in 2018. She became Vice Chairperson in 2020, managing day-to-day operations, student affairs, and financial management. Nazia has vast experience in corporate banking, handling sectors like textiles, FMCGs, and energy. She also serves as Secretary Finance at Parvarish Foundation, where she is committed to supporting underprivileged children through education and financial aid.
Mrs. Talat Waheed
Founding Member & Deputy Chairperson
Mrs. Talat Waheed is a founding member and Deputy Chairperson of the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust. A graduate of Lahore College, she has been consistently devoted to the trust’s noble cause, working to improve the lives of underprivileged, academically bright students. Her commitment to philanthropy spans decades, as she has remained involved in various charitable activities, with a focus on creating a positive impact on the lives of students at various levels.
Mr. Salman Chima
Trustee & Legal Counsel
Salman Chima, a Senior Partner with a legal focus on corporate restructuring, mergers & acquisitions, and capital markets, has been instrumental in establishing the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust. With degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard, he brings exceptional expertise to his role as Legal Counsel. Beyond his legal practice, Salman is a keen squash player, golfer, and passionate traveler. His dedication to the Trust’s mission is unwavering, ensuring its success and growth.
Mr. Saadat A. Chaudry
Chartered Accountant & Former Group Director
Saadat Ahmad Chaudhry is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW). He built a successful practice in London’s Haymarket before returning to Pakistan to join a leading textile and tannery group. Over a 32-year career, he rose to Group Director, overseeing finance, corporate tax planning, and legal affairs. Now retired at 85, Saadat remains active in social work, continuing his lifelong dedication to service.
Mr. Naseem Qazi
Trustee, Founding Member
With over 50 years of experience in banking and senior management, Naseem Rashid Qazi has excelled in operations, human resources, business development, and administration. A graduate of Punjab University, he has overseen the establishment of 75 branches across Punjab and managed portfolios exceeding Rs. 5 billion. Alongside his professional achievements, Naseem has a long-standing passion for cricket, serving as a player, manager, and liaison officer for national and international teams, reflecting his dedication to leadership both on and off the field.
Ms. Munira Siddiqi
Founding Member & Deputy Chairperson
With nearly four decades of experience, Munira Siddiqi has played a key role in shaping the education of young minds at Lahore Grammar School. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in 1986 and now serves as Head of Middle School. Munira oversees curriculum development and extracurricular activities, with a passion for promoting music, literature, and art. Her leadership has inspired students to embrace charity work and develop a strong sense of national pride.
Mrs. Tahira Naseem
Trustee, Founding Member
A dedicated homemaker and founding member of the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust, Ms. Tahira Naseem has been steadfast in her commitment to the trust’s mission since its inception. With a compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication, she has supported the trust’s initiatives, ensuring its goals align with the best interests of underprivileged students. Her invaluable contributions reflect her deep belief in education and community welfare, making her an integral part of the trust’s legacy.
Ms. Mehreen Siddiqi
Trustee, Expert in Inclusion, Gender, and Governance
Mehreen Siddiqi has over 15 years of experience in inclusion, gender empowerment, and governance. She focuses on promoting women’s empowerment and ensuring that provincial and local government planning addresses the needs of marginalized groups, especially women. Mehreen holds an LLM in Corporate and International Human Rights Law from the University of Pennsylvania and an MS in Global Affairs from New York University. Her work drives equitable systems and social justice.
Mr. Shahwaiz Nadeem
Trustee & Founder Pervarish charity Foundation
Shahwaiz Nadeem is the dynamic founder of Parvarish Charity Foundation, which he started at the young age of 19. A graduate of Aitchison College, Lahore, Shahwaiz has worked with various NGOs and non-profits, with a focus on empowering underprivileged children and supporting low-income families. His passion for social welfare drives his commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through education and humanitarian aid.
Mr. Waqas Amjad
Trustee – Technology & Marketing Specialist
A graduate of Lawrence College, Waqas Amjad began working at the age of 14 to support his family and education during a time of financial hardship. By the age of 21, he had successfully set up his first company. With over 20 years of experience in IT-enabled services and offshore outsourcing, Waqas has worked across four continents, bringing his expertise in technology and digital outreach to the trust. As a former recipient of educational support, he is committed to giving back and ensuring that underprivileged students have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
