A Night of Generosity: Aghosh UK at the APPNE Annual Gala 2026
The Aghosh UK team at the Alkhidmat Foundation and Aghosh UK stand on the night.
We had a great evening at the APPNE Gala Dinner 2026, held as part of the 7th Annual Convention of the Association of Pakistani Physicians of Northern Europe (APPNE). Aghosh UK, the UK partner of Alkhidmat Foundation, booked a fundraising table at this year's gala, an occasion that brought together doctors, community leaders and charity representatives from across the UK and Northern Europe for an evening of fellowship and giving.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to chat with the team, and to everyone who gave generously on the night in support of orphans in Pakistan and Gaza. JazakAllah khair, may Allah reward your generosity and accept it from you.
Guests at the APPNE Gala Dinner 2026, underneath the evening's "Excel in Good Deeds" theme.
An Evening in Support of Orphans in Pakistan and Gaza
As a fundraising partner on the night, Aghosh UK was proud to take part in an evening that brought together doctors and community leaders from across the UK and Northern Europe, with fundraising running throughout. Taking a table at events like the APPNE Annual Gala matters because it brings Aghosh UK face to face with the wider British Pakistani community, many of whom already give generously through Zakat, Sadaqah and regular sponsorships. Every conversation at our table, and every donation made on the night, goes directly towards the food, healthcare, education and shelter that vulnerable children depend on through our Orphan Care Programme.
Aghosh UK's Orphan Care Programme, at a Glance
Our Orphan Care Programme currently supports orphans in Pakistan and Gaza. It provides orphaned children with quality education, full healthcare, nutritious meals and safe shelter, so that losing a parent does not also mean losing a childhood.
Sponsorship starts from £30 a month and is Zakat eligible. More than 34,000 orphans have been supported through this programme to date.
Aghosh UK is also working to sponsor 5,000 orphans in Gaza, with over 1,500 children already supported through the appeal so far.
Dr Adeel Riaz on Aghosh UK's Mission
Our Chairman, Dr Adeel Riaz, addressed guests at the gala about the work of Aghosh UK - Alkhidmat Foundation and how the charity runs its Orphan Care Programme across the UK. He spoke about the partnership between Aghosh UK and Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, and how sponsorships raised here in Britain translate into everyday essentials, school fees, medical care and safe housing, for orphaned children in Pakistan and Gaza.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"I and the sponsor of an orphan will be like this in Paradise," and he gestured with his index and middle fingers, holding them slightly apart.
Sahih al-Bukhari, 5304
Dr Adeel Riaz, Aghosh UK Chairman, addresses the guests at the APPNE gala
The History and Mission of APPNE
APPNE, known to its community as Team APPNE, was launched in 2019 to bring doctors and physicians of Pakistani heritage together on one platform, and held its first annual gathering in Manchester in March 2020. Since then it has grown into a democratic, representative organisation and describes itself as the voice for doctors of Pakistani heritage living in Northern Europe, with elected regional representatives across 16 UK regions and Northern Ireland. The organisation is governed by a national board chosen through democratic elections, currently led by President Dr Amir Khan for the 2023 to 2025 term, alongside a general secretary, finance secretary and a wider executive committee.
APPNE's stated mission is to support, advise and mentor its members, to raise the professional profile of doctors of Pakistani heritage, and to help develop healthcare education and infrastructure in both the UK and Pakistan. Alongside its Annual Gala and Conference, this has included an International Medical Graduate task force, career guidance and mentoring programmes, and support for the wider Pakistani-heritage medical community, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Team APPNE's National Board (2023 to 2025 Term)
APPNE's current national board is made up of:
- Dr Amir Khan - President (Consultant General Surgeon)
- Dr Nadeem Sajjad Raja - General Secretary (Consultant Microbiologist)
- Dr Aisha Sharif - Finance Secretary
- Dr Sohail Qureshi - Joint Secretary
- Dr Kamila Haider - Social Secretary
- Dr Habib Haider - Education Lead (Consultant in Acute Medicine)
They are supported by a wider executive committee: Dr Samreen Muzaffer, Dr Mukesh Kumar, Dr Amara Sohail, Dr Mazhar Sheikh, Dr Naseem Warraich, Dr Mohammad Imran, Dr Aadil Karim, Dr Wajiha Tehniyat and Dr Zafar Iqbal, alongside elected regional representatives across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Aghosh UK: Fundraising at the Gala
This year, Aghosh UK booked a fundraising table at the APPNE Gala Dinner 2026, held as part of Team APPNE's 7th Annual Convention, a natural pairing between an organisation representing Pakistani-heritage doctors across Northern Europe and a charity delivering healthcare, education and orphan care in Pakistan and Gaza. The gala regularly welcomes charities and community organisations, making it a fitting setting for Aghosh UK to share the story of the Orphan Care Programme with a wider audience.
Partnerships of this kind matter for orphaned children long after the evening ends. Awareness raised at events like this gala helps Aghosh UK reach new supporters who go on to sponsor a child, give Zakat, or simply share our appeals with their own communities.
The Aghosh UK stand, where the team spoke to guests throughout the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APPNE Annual Gala?
The APPNE Annual Gala, held in 2026 as the APPNE Gala Dinner as part of Team APPNE's 7th Annual Convention, is the flagship yearly event of the Association of Pakistani Physicians of Northern Europe (APPNE), the largest organisation representing doctors of Pakistani heritage across Northern Europe. It brings together medical professionals, community leaders and charities for an evening of celebration, networking and fundraising for shared causes.
Who is Dr Adeel Riaz?
Dr Adeel Riaz is the Chairman and Chair of Trustees of Aghosh UK - Alkhidmat Foundation. At the APPNE Annual Gala 2026, he spoke to guests about the charity's work and its Orphan Care Programme across the UK.
What does Aghosh UK's Orphan Care Programme provide?
The programme provides orphaned children with education, healthcare, nutritious meals and safe shelter, restoring a sense of stability and hope to children who have lost one or both parents.
How can I sponsor an orphan through Aghosh UK?
You can sponsor an orphan in Pakistan from £30 a month, or support an orphan in Gaza, through Aghosh UK's Orphan Care appeals. Both options can be set up as a single donation or a regular monthly sponsorship.
Does sponsoring an orphan qualify as Zakat?
Yes. Orphan sponsorship through Aghosh UK is Zakat eligible, so eligible donors can fulfil their Zakat obligation while directly supporting a child's education, healthcare and wellbeing.
Is Aghosh UK a registered charity?
Yes. Aghosh UK is a registered charity, charity number 1178778.
Did Aghosh UK sponsor the whole of the APPNE Annual Gala 2026?
No. Aghosh UK booked a fundraising table at the APPNE Gala Dinner 2026, held as part of Team APPNE's 7th Annual Convention, where the team spoke with guests and collected donations for orphans in Pakistan and Gaza.
