Pakistan Navy League Annual General Meeting (AGM) — 25th April 2025

A Report on Continuing Commitment to Education, Welfare, and Community Development

On the evening of 25th April 2025, the Pakistan Navy League (PNL) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Sailing Club. The agenda focused on reviewing the League’s initiatives, evaluating progress over the past year, and discussing future strategies.

With a deep sense of purpose and unity, members along with their spouses gathered to celebrate achievements and renew their pledge to continue contributing towards meaningful societal transformation.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Following this, the Secretary respectfully invited Vice Admiral Irfan Ahmad to lead a solemn dua for revered members who had departed since the last AGM.

The proceedings continued with the Secretary’s report, which highlighted a year of engagement and provided a comprehensive overview of the Navy League’s activities. It was noted that the previously planned visit to Iran had been postponed due to escalating regional security threats. However, a foreign visit to Sri Lanka has been organized for May 12–19, 2025.

On the domestic front, the Navy League organized several significant events that fostered camaraderie among members. A notable highlight was the family dinner with members of the Islamabad Chapter aboard a cruise boat at Karachi Harbor on May 3, 2024. This event offered members and their families an opportunity to enjoy the scenic waterfront while strengthening social bonds. Additionally, the League facilitated a visit of Islamabad Chapter members to Karachi on May 6, 2024, promoting inter-chapter relationships and knowledge sharing.

Other major social engagements included a formal dinner at the Avari Towers Hotel on September 7, 2024, and an educational visit to Ormara and Gwadar on January 28–29, 2025, allowing members to gain insights into naval operations and regional development initiatives.

As a mark of respect for its senior members, the Navy League celebrated the birthdays of members aged 80 years and above during weekly meetings at the League’s office. Special recognition was given to Commodore (Retired) Anwar Mohiuddin, Vice Admiral (Retired) Irfan Ahmed, and Captain Farhat Ali Khan, whose birthdays were celebrated in October and November 2024.

Looking ahead, the Secretary outlined several upcoming social engagements, including a family visit onboard a ship to Churna Island, a dinner hosted by the Chief of Naval Staff for Karachi Chapter members, a family picnic at a yet-to-be-decided venue, and a formal dinner at an attractive location. The League also plans to organize a dinner once every alternate month to provide regular opportunities for social interaction among members and their spouses.

Next, the Secretary invited Captain Ashfaq Agha to present a report on activities undertaken at the Baba Island School during the 2024–25 academic session.

Captain Ashfaq Agha’s presentation was meticulously documented, highlighting the League’s commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.

He reported that the academic year was marked by many major activities. These included well-attended Parent-Teacher Meetings, distribution of essential textbooks, and vibrant daily school activities. The school provided each student with 14 notebooks, funded through contributions from the Fisherman Cooperative Society. School uniforms worth Rs. 45,000 were also distributed to students. Additionally, a computer lab was established, equipping students with vital digital literacy skills.

Five teachers are currently undergoing computer and IT training, reflecting the institution's commitment to staff development. Despite facing challenges with electricity supply, which remains limited to just 2.5 hours during school time, educational activities continued with minimal disruption thanks to a donated generator operated with monthly diesel expenses covered by Commander S A Nadeem.

The Navy League demonstrated a strong focus on skill development by establishing a 16-unit Stitching Unit for female students and introducing a Nursing Course that provides pathways to healthcare professions. These initiatives culminated in a Certificate Award Ceremony recognizing students' vocational achievements. The long-envisioned Vocational Training Institute has finally been materialized, significantly expanding opportunities for practical education on the island.

Health and community welfare initiatives featured prominently in the school's activities. Medical camps were organized in collaboration with Ziauddin Hospital, providing general checkups, oral hygiene assessments, and eye examinations for students and the local community. The school also conducted Cleaning Day activities to promote hygiene and environmental care. The Navy League extended its support beyond academics by providing monthly medical assistance for two staff members with serious health conditions and offering financial support for teachers' family events, including marriages.

Cultural and religious activities were emphasized to foster students' spiritual and social development. World Children's Day was celebrated with Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals, which provided 1,000 goody bags to students. Religious events such as Eid Milad-un-Nabi and Eid-ul-Fitr were celebrated with lectures, community gatherings, and festive activities, promoting a strong cultural identity among students.

Strategic partnerships played a pivotal role in the school's success. Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals supported multiple initiatives and is currently finalizing an MOU to fund an Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) program, covering classroom construction, furniture, learning materials, operational costs, and teacher training. Additional contributions came from Al-Huda Foundation, Ziauddin Hospital, and the Fisherman Cooperative Society, demonstrating the broad-based community support for the school's mission.

The Baba Island School welcomed special visitors, including the wives of Admiral S.T.H. Naqvi and Captain (Retired) Shaheen Pervaiz. Captain Ashfaq Agha requested them to share their thoughts about the school. Both guests were impressed by the school's positive atmosphere. They praised how confident, enthusiastic, and curious the students were. They also complimented the teachers for their dedication and use of interactive teaching methods that encourage critical thinking instead of just memorization.They were especially impressed by the strong relationships between the local teachers and students, which they felt created a lively and progressive learning environment. They also noted how open the teachers were to improving their skills and working together.

The Navy League members were glad to hear this positive feedback, which strengthens their commitment to supporting education at Baba Island School.

Captain Ashfaq Agha particularly acknowledged Vice Admiral Mushtaq Ahmed who led projects to help the whole community. These included building the Baba Island Kola Jetty, setting up a water filtration plant for clean drinking water, starting waste management programs, and fixing village infrastructure..

The Treasurer’s Report was then presented, highlighting the Navy League’s strong financial health and long-term sustainability. Two separate accounts, professionally audited by M/S SALMAN & RAHEEL Chartered Accountants, ensure transparency. The "Good Deeds" account, funded through donations and fixed deposit profits, supports Baba Island School operations. As of March 31, 2025, total assets stood at Rs. 39,588,456, with a notable increase in fixed deposits. A strategic goal of maintaining Rs. 40 million in reserves to sustain school operations was outlined. The administrative account, supported by member subscriptions, also showed healthy growth.

Key resolutions were passed, including the compassionate decision to write off Rs. 9,250 in dues from three deceased members and the reappointment of M/S SALMAN & RAHEEL as auditors for 2024–2025.

The meeting also discussed membership expansion, introducing lifetime membership for Rs. 20,000 and was approved whereas associate membership for retired civilian Navy personnel was not approved.

In his concluding remarks, the President warmly thanked all members and guests for their strong turnout and continued support. He specially appreciated the ladies for their active participation.

He proudly highlighted the success of the League’s flagship project — the Baba Island School — and sincerely thanked Captain Ashfaq Agha and Vice Admiral Mushtaq Ahmed for their regular visits and efforts. He shared the encouraging news of the League’s stable financial position, with an endowment fund nearing 40 million rupees, which is being converted into a permanent fund to ensure sustainable support for the school.

The President also recounted a heartfelt appeal from local mothers requesting more school admissions. He reassured them of the League’s commitment to expand capacity through the construction of additional classrooms. In this regard, he thanked Admiral Baqir for securing a matching grant from the INFAQ Foundation and appreciated all committee members and donors who helped raise funds for this initiative.

Special thanks were extended to Dr. Altamash for employing nursing trainees from Bahria Medical College, Admiral Athar Mukhtar for supporting training initiatives at Bahria University, and Commodore Rashidullah and his team for successfully organizing inland and foreign tours.

The President emphasized the need for more volunteers and urged members to expand the Navy League’s membership base to further strengthen its mission.

Finally, Vice Admiral Saleem Khalid announced the election results, confirming the renomination of Captain (Retired) Izhar Baig as Vice President by getting 43 votes out of 66.

Following the formal proceedings, a sumptuous dinner was served, providing members a chance to socialize in a relaxed setting. The evening concluded with a delightful music program, which ended gracefully at 2400 hours, marking the close of a memorable and successful AGM.

Please see Photos https://www.paknavyleague.com/gallery#680fa0694592e