Asalam-O-Alaikum
It is indeed a matter of great pride for me to head an association that was formed 44 years ago in 1978, by a group of concerned residents who were conscientious enough to stand for their rights as residents of DHA to ensure a better living environment for us and our families.
The Defense Society Residents Association finds it’s roots in the Defense Society Housewives Association founded by Dr. Shamim Dadi in 1976 which was found significant and later updated as DSRA.
I feel humbled to be included in the illustrious list of honorable presidents, such as Vice Admiral Muzaffar Hassan, Rear Admiral Sajjad Akbar, Capt. Haleem Siddiqui, Mr. Justice Saeeduzzaman Siddique, Mr. Sharfuddin Memon and honorable others whose contributions have helped the Association reach where it stands today. May I assure you that I stand committed to uphold their legacy.
My allegiance with DSRA is long lived, I feel proud to disclose that my mother Begum Khalida Rifat was among the founding members and was elected as Vice Precedent unopposed for 3 terms. I have had the honor to serve this association in different capacities in the past. I am truly humbled that you have reposed your confidence in me to serve you again.
You will be pleased to know that our association is not only the oldest and the largest resident’s association with ever growing number exceeding 3500 active members, but it is also the only democratically elected residents association in DHA. We have been conducting our AGMs every year and elections every second year regularly for the last 44 years without fail. Our monthly CEC meetings also have never stopped even during the covid pandemic we were regular thanks to zoom.
Please appreciate that as residents our interests are common and only together, we can achieve our goals. DSRA is a non-govt and strictly non-political organization which operates on contributions from its members. We do not have any other source of income or funding. As such our account usually remains empty but still, we do wonders. Not only have we been raising voices, organizing walks for cause, going into litigations and protesting on roads for the rights of our members, but we have also remained conscientious of our duty towards the underprivileged communities living next doors.
You will be happy to know that DSRA has to its credit two completely independent, outstanding Trusts that are serving these underprivileged communities in the area of Education and Health.
The DSRA Education & Welfare Trust is second to none. Starting with one classroom in Phase I campus with an English Medium Curriculum, we now stand proud of our two campuses with multiple classrooms in Phase 1 and our multistoried Campus in DHA Junejo Town, both fully equipped with science & computer labs and libraries. 550 Students are studying on adopt a child concept. We charge them minimal fees and provide them free uniform, books & stationary. Multiple batches have already passed with flying colors.
The DSRA Health & Welfare Trust is another milestone that we have achieved. We started with a humbal beginning in two rooms which the DSRA Trust amazingly converted into a small smart multistoried health facility. Today it caters approximately 150 patients per day charging a minimal fee of Rs. 20/- per patient and free medicines and affordable ultrasound facility. It is located right in the middle of Jamhoria Colony. We are making efforts to have similar facilities in other such under privileged communities adjoining DHA.
Both our trusts operate independently under separate board of trustees again with democratically elected office bearers. Anyone who wishes to visit them are more than welcome.
All respectable members of DSRA are eligible and more then welcome to join us as members of DSRA and play an active role in serving your community to the best of your ability.
“Let’s Work together for a Better Tomorrow”.
Thank you & best of luck.
Nasir Jahangir Rifat Shaikh,
President DSRA
