Empowering communities, enriching lives since 1986.
Pakistan Lions Youth Council conducts development interventions that improve the lives and well-being of marginalised and vulnerable communities across Punjab and beyond.
Four decades of grassroots development work
Pakistan Lions Youth Council (PLYC) was formed in 1986 and formally registered in 1993 as a non-profit organisation, with the objective of conducting meaningful development interventions that improve the lives and well-being of marginalised and vulnerable communities.
The core attributes of the organisation are its geographical outreach, its partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, and a multi-sectoral approach that treats education, health, climate resilience, and water as connected problems rather than separate programmes.
PLYC also provides consultancy services — proposal design, report writing, research studies and surveys, and training and capacity building — supporting partner organisations across the development sector.
Action
We move fast when communities need us most.
Hope
We work toward a brighter tomorrow, not just relief today.
Trust
Built with communities, partners, and donors over 39 years.
Our focus sectors
Education
Bringing children out of labour and into school.
Health
Awareness, TB and maternal care, provider training.
Climate Resilience
Disaster preparedness and post-flood rebuilding.
Water
Clean water access for cut-off communities.
Recognition earned in the field
Each milestone reflects the communities and partners who made it possible.
National Youth Award
Recognised for youth-led community development work across Punjab.
Human Rights Award
Honoured for advocacy and field programmes protecting vulnerable communities.
Official visit to Canada
Invited to share PLYC's model of community-led development internationally.
AERES, Netherlands
International accreditation recognising organisational and field standards.
Women Empowerment Award
Recognising programmes supporting women's economic and social independence.
TB Award
Recognised for tuberculosis awareness and private healthcare provider training.
The leadership guiding PLYC's mission
A CEO, a chairperson, and a board of physicians, researchers, and a retired military officer, together bringing decades of sector expertise to programme oversight. View the full team →
Dr. Qaiser Javed
Chief Executive OfficerLeads PLYC's national operations across health, education, human rights and livelihoods, guided by a holistic approach to community development since the organisation's founding.
Dr. Aman Afzal
ChairpersonProvides overall strategic direction for PLYC's programmes and partnerships.
Brig. (R) M. Tahir
Director, PLYC · Sitara-e-ImtiazOver 32 years in the Pakistan Army with expertise in procurement, budgeting and policy planning; trained at the US Army Ordnance Centre and School, and served as Defence Procurement Attaché in Beijing.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal
Director, PLYCAn ophthalmologist with over four decades of clinical practice; has organised free eye camps across Khanewal, Jahania and Kacha Khu and led a two-year school amblyopia-screening programme.
Dr. Amna Younas
Director, PLYCInternal medicine and rheumatology specialist trained via the UK's College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCPS) and MRCP London; Trainee Representative of Wales, National British Society of Rheumatology.
Dr. Ejaz Qadeer
Director, PLYCFormer head of Pakistan's National TB Control Programme (2006–2016); scaled up MDR-TB treatment nationally and advanced public-private partnerships with WHO and The Global Fund.
Dr. Arfa Altaf
Director, PLYCWith PLYC for two decades; led TB and malaria programme implementation in Sindh under the Global Fund (2008–2020) and has collaborated with UNDP on public health research.
Dr. Tehreem Shouqat
Director, PLYCCombines an MBBS background with ongoing Master of Public Health studies, focused on youth engagement, disaster risk reduction, and healthcare awareness in underserved communities.
Advisors
Dr. Saman Rauf
An ECFMG-certified physician and gold medalist who has strengthened PLYC's Tuberculosis Control Programme through staff training and improved case detection.
Dr. Nuzhat Altaf
Over two decades in education reform and gender-inclusive programming, providing technical guidance to align PLYC's work with national priorities.
Dr. Qaiser Javed
Chief Executive Office
By the grace of Allah Almighty, PLYC has successfully completed its 27th Year of community services and has laid the foundation of a vibrant society by expanding its presence across the country to serve the underprivileged. PLYC has positively impacted disadvantaged communities through direct service delivery and advocacy for their civic rights. These achievements have been made possible by the dedication and commitment of its motivated team and volunteers. Since its inception in 1993, PLYC has adopted a holistic approach to community development, addressing issues related to health, education, peace promotion, human rights, gender equity, and livelihoods. We believe it is vital to develop human resource capacity to mobilize and utilize resources effectively for sustainable change. PLYC is committed to safeguarding social norms, religious values, and cultural traditions while executing development initiatives in diverse communities.
Since inception from 1993 Pakistan Lions Youth Council has been carrying out community development programs with commitment, mandated under its Charter and in a sustained manner. PLYC considers community development a holistic activity, encompassing all spheres of life necessary for their empowerment and for the healthy socio-economic growth. PLYC has achieved great milestones in all aspects of social services. We have learned from experience that a community only thrives when there is kindness, justice, equity, and inclusion. As we begin serving the community, we celebrate the accomplishments and progress that have only been possible because of all of our stakeholders. We are inspired by current and former trustees.
Dr. Aman Afzal
Chairperson
Brigadier (Retd.) Sheikh Muhammad Tahir
Sitara-E-Imtiaz (Military)
Brigadier (R) Sheikh Muhammad Tahir has served Pakistan Army for more than 32 years. He brings with him plenty of experience regarding Indenting, Procurement, Inspection, Budgeting and Policy Planning. During his service with the Pak Army the officer was trained at US Army Ordnance Centre School, APG Maryland from where he graduated with Distinction. He has also served as Attaché Defence Procurement in Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing, China for over 03 years. He has attended Management, Warehouse management, Procurement and Logistic Courses in various training institutions of Pakistan Army. The officer is graduate of and National Defense University Islamabad and Command & Staff College Quetta. He holds Master Degrees in Business Administration & Strategic Studies.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal graduated with an MBBS from Quaid-e-Azam Medical College in 1979 and completed his residency at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. In 1981, he pursued his post-graduation in Ophthalmology and established Zafar Laser Eye Hospital, where he has been serving patients with dedication for more than 44 years.
Committed to making quality eye care accessible, Dr. Zafar organized five free eye camps in Khanewal, Jahania, and Kacha Khu, providing treatment and surgical care to hundreds of patients at no cost. At his hospital, it has always been policy to offer free treatment and surgeries to anyone unable to afford them — without requiring documentation or proof.
In collaboration with the district administration, he also launched a preventive program against visual loss by screening for and treating amblyopia in government primary schools. This initiative included providing diagnostic tools and training schoolteachers, and it successfully continued for two years.
With over four decades of clinical practice, Dr. Zafar Iqbal remains passionate about exploring new opportunities to serve the community and improve public health outcomes.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal
Director PLYC
Dr. Amna Younas
Director PLYC
Dr. Amna Younas is one of PLYC’s most distinguished board members, recognized for her outstanding academic and professional achievements in the field of medicine. From the start of her career, she has been celebrated for excellence receiving a bronze medal from the Chief Minister of Pakistan and a guard of honor from the state for her remarkable accomplishments.
After graduating from Nishtar Medical University, she pursued Internal Medicine Training and was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the United Kingdom for her FCPS training. Building on this, Dr. Younas completed her MRCP in Medicine in London and secured a top-ranking position in Rheumatology, earning the highest distinction in her field and training in a Deanery of her choice.
Currently, Dr. Younas serves as the Trainee Representative of Wales in the National British Society of Rheumatology and remains deeply engaged in educational and professional initiatives, contributing her expertise to advance both medical practice and community service.
Dr. Ejaz Qadeer is a distinguished public health leader with extensive expertise in hospital management, national health programs, and international partnerships. As the former head of Pakistan’s National TB Control Program (2006–2016), he played a transformative role in scaling up MDR-TB treatment and advancing the Public-Private Mix model, achievements that gained recognition at global forums.
He has successfully designed and led large-scale, performance-based health initiatives in collaboration with WHO, The Global Fund, and other international partners. His areas of expertise span policy development, program management, health systems strengthening, and operational research.
In addition to his public health leadership, Dr. Qadeer has served in tertiary care hospitals, where he established critical services, built staff capacity, and introduced effective systems in maternal & child health, infection control, and emergency care.
Core Strengths: TB & infectious disease control, public-private partnerships, health systems strengthening, proposal development, capacity building, and partnership management.
Dr. Ejaz Qadeer
Director PLYC
Dr. Arfa Altaf
Director PLYC
Dr. Arfa Altaf completed her MBBS from Rawalpindi Medical College in 1990 and later pursued a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), building a strong foundation for her career in healthcare and community development. She has been an integral part of Pakistan Lions Youth Council (PLYC) for the past 20 years, where she has made remarkable contributions in program design, research, and leadership.
Between 2008 and 2020, she played a key role in PLYC’s implementation of TB and malaria programs in Sindh under the Global Fund. Beyond PLYC, she has actively collaborated with UNDP and contributed to several high-impact research and development initiatives, establishing her reputation as a dedicated professional in the field.
Currently serving as a Director at PLYC, Dr. Arfa continues to drive projects that improve public health, strengthen systems, and bring sustainable change to communities.
Dr. Tahreem Shoukat serves as a Director at Pakistan Lions Youth Council (PLYC), bringing with her a strong academic foundation and a passion for public service. She holds an MBBS degree and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH), combining medical expertise with community-oriented leadership.
Her vision centers on improving access to healthcare, empowering youth, and fostering resilient communities across Pakistan. She has been actively involved in health initiatives, community development programs, and humanitarian efforts, particularly in underserved and disaster-affected regions.
As a committed leader, Dr. Tahreem collaborates with national and international partners to ensure PLYC’s continued impact in youth engagement, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and healthcare awareness driving forward the organization’s mission of service and sustainable development.
Dr. Tehreem Shoukat
Director PLYC
Dr. Saman Rauf
Advisor (Public Health)
Dr. Saman Rauf is an ECFMG-certified physician and gold medalist dedicated to advancing infectious disease prevention and public health in underserved communities. At PLYC, she has played a vital role in strengthening the Tuberculosis Control Program by guiding staff training, improving case detection, and promoting treatment adherence. Her leadership and evidence-based approach have contributed to early diagnosis, better patient outcomes, and lasting community impact across multiple districts.
Dr. Nuzhat Qaiser serves as the Technical Advisor at Pakistan Lions Youth Council (PLYC), bringing a wealth of experience in education, community development, and gender-inclusive programming. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, she has contributed extensively to designing, implementing, and evaluating social sector projects focused on education reform, youth empowerment, and women’s leadership.
Dr. Nuzhat provides strategic and technical guidance to ensure PLYC’s programs align with national development priorities and global best practices. Her expertise strengthens the organization’s capacity for evidence-based programming, policy advocacy, and sustainable community impact.
Throughout her career, she has collaborated with government bodies, NGOs, and international development partners to promote equitable access to education and build institutional resilience. Her leadership emphasizes participatory approaches, data-driven planning, and holistic community engagement.
Dr. Nuzhat Altaf
Technical Advisor PLYC