In a significant initiative aimed at addressing Tharparkar’s water scarcity issues, Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) has partnered with Zaman Foundation to install a solar-powered reverse osmosis (R.O) water filtration plant in the village of Ramiyo Gajju. This project, launched to bring clean drinking water to the community, directly impacts over 3,500 residents who have struggled for safe water access for 78 years. By leveraging renewable solar technology to power the filtration process, this collaboration highlights FBL’s commitment to sustainable development and community welfare.
The newly installed solar-powered R.O plant offers residents of Ramiyo Gajju an efficient solution to meet their daily water needs. Prior to this facility, villagers, especially women and children, walked long distances under extreme weather conditions to fetch water—often unsafe for consumption. Now, with this initiative, the local community has access to clean water that meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards, reducing health risks associated with untreated water and ensuring a significant quality-of-life improvement.
Farah Asim, Head of Corporate Affairs at Faysal Bank, spoke at the inauguration event, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to sustainability rooted in Islamic values. “At Faysal Bank, our vision of sustainability is anchored in our Islamic value of Care/Khidmat, aiming to empower communities toward self-reliance and a better quality of life. This solar-powered water filtration plant is more than a project—it’s a vital lifeline for over 300 households in Ramiyo Gajju and beyond. We are dedicated to fostering a healthier future for these communities and the generations that follow,” said Asim. Her statement reflects FBL’s goal to extend its support beyond conventional banking services, incorporating socially responsible investments that provide lasting benefits to underserved communities.
The R.O plant’s technological design integrates sustainability by lowering Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in the water to WHO-recommended standards. This environmentally friendly approach is a milestone in sustainable water provision, bringing tangible health benefits to the village. Through renewable energy, the plant minimizes its environmental footprint while fulfilling essential community needs, aligning with Faysal Bank’s broader agenda of promoting green initiatives across its corporate strategy.
Omar Zaman, CEO of Zaman Foundation, also expressed his gratitude for Faysal Bank’s involvement, noting that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right. “This project marks a transformative step for the villagers in Umerkot, Thar,” Zaman stated. “Through our partnership with Faysal Bank, we have ensured that the residents of Ramiyo Gajju and nearby areas no longer need to walk miles in the harsh desert heat to collect unsafe water. We are humbled by Faysal Bank’s support of Zaman Foundation’s unique sustainability model.” His remarks underline the project’s impact in empowering residents to focus on improving their lives without the daily struggle for a basic resource.
This collaboration not only addresses immediate community needs but also exemplifies FBL’s approach to socially responsible banking. As part of its core values, Faysal Bank emphasizes CARE, extending its influence beyond financial products to create meaningful community impact. The bank’s partnership with Zaman Foundation sets an example in the banking sector for integrating environmental stewardship with social development. By fostering sustainable development and aligning itself with projects that promote both environmental and community well-being, Faysal Bank continues to position itself as a forward-thinking and responsible corporate entity in Pakistan.
The successful deployment of this solar-powered water plant represents a win-win model for corporate social responsibility, benefiting the community while enhancing Faysal Bank’s reputation as a leader in sustainable banking. Through this endeavor, FBL and Zaman Foundation demonstrate how corporate and philanthropic partnerships can drive impactful change, bringing vital resources to underserved populations and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.