For four long days in 2025, the mountains of Azad Kashmir shook with the echoes of conflict. Families hid in fear, the skies above Kotli and Bhimber glowed with uncertainty, and every heart along the Line of Control (LoC) held its breath.
But when the guns fell silent and dawn finally returned, it was compassion — not conflict — that took over. Alhamdulilah, the situation has now calmed. The displaced are returning home, trying to rebuild their lives after a terrifying few days that reminded the world just how fragile peace can be in this beautiful, troubled region.
During those tense days, Kashmir Welfare Foundation was on the ground, responding rapidly to the needs of the people — not with words, but with action.
A Night That Changed Everything
It started with whispers — news that shelling had begun again near the border villages. Within hours, reports poured in from Kotli, Bhimber, and Nakyal. Families were fleeing their homes. Roads were blocked. Hospitals were overwhelmed.
For many, the fear was not new. They had lived through such nights before, when the earth itself seemed to tremble. But this time, the scale of displacement was far greater. Children clung to their mothers in hastily assembled shelters. Elderly parents sat on roadsides with blankets over their shoulders. Livestock roamed untended, and ambulances raced through the narrow valleys, their sirens cutting through the chaos.
In these moments, every second counted.
Emergency Response Without Delay
Within hours of the first confirmed reports, Kashmir Welfare Foundation mobilised its Emergency Relief Teams. Our local field staff in Kotli and Bhimber were already trained for such crises — prepared not just with compassion, but with strategy.
We activated our Emergency Budget, a special fund created precisely for situations like this. It meant that we did not need to launch any public fundraising appeals during the crisis.
While others were still assessing the situation, our teams were already on the move — ambulances dispatched, medical supplies distributed, and local volunteers coordinating safe zones for the displaced.
In just four days, the Foundation delivered a remarkable response at a total cost of only £1,095.
Impact at a Glance
- 🚑 90+ patients transported safely to nearby hospitals.
- 🏥 Treatment costs covered for 7 injured civilians, now on the road to recovery.
- 🩹 Immediate first aid and medication provided on the front lines.
- 🧤 Protective equipment including gas masks and gloves distributed to reduce harm from shelling.
- 🌫️ 14 rooftop air quality monitors installed in conflict zones, tracking toxic levels and guiding families to safer areas.
Each of these actions was made possible by preparedness, planning, and the ongoing support of UK donors who make it possible for Kashmir Welfare Foundation to act instantly when crisis hits.
The Man Behind the Wheel: Nadeem’s Story
Among those who worked tirelessly through the conflict was Nadeem, one of the Foundation’s ambulance drivers from Kotli. His job, simple on paper, became a test of courage under fire.
“I didn’t think about the danger,” he said quietly, days later. “When people call for help, you can’t say no.”
For four nights, Nadeem drove along roads littered with debris, moving the injured to safety. His ambulance carried men, women, and children who had been caught in shelling or who fell ill during the panic.
At one point, a shell struck the ground less than 200 metres away from his vehicle. But he did not stop. “My family was scared,” he said, “but my heart wouldn’t let me turn back.”
When the shelling eased, Nadeem and his team turned their focus to transporting supplies — water, medical kits, and blankets — to families returning to their homes. He slept little, ate what he could, and never complained.
Stories like his are not rare within Kashmir Welfare Foundation. They are what define us — ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their community, for their faith, and for humanity.
Staying Ahead of the Crisis
While field teams like Nadeem’s were saving lives, the Foundation’s Research and Development Unit worked around the clock to monitor real-time information.
Using verified data sources, social media alerts, and local intelligence networks, the team mapped areas of shelling, population displacement, and environmental impact. The installation of air quality monitors proved invaluable — giving families access to real-time toxicity readings and helping volunteers guide them away from danger zones.
This data-driven approach allowed us to respond proactively rather than reactively. While many organisations waited for confirmation of casualties, our teams were already prioritising evacuation routes, coordinating with hospitals, and delivering aid.
This is what it means to be prepared — to be ready before the storm hits, not after.
Kashmir at the Heart of the Conflict
The 2025 border conflict between India and Pakistan was a tragic reminder of how quickly peace can unravel. For the people of Kashmir, these hostilities are more than headlines — they are lived experiences that stretch across generations.
Along the Line of Control, families live with uncertainty as a constant companion. The children who huddled in shelters this week are the same ones who will walk to school tomorrow, their laughter echoing where fear once lingered.
It is for them that Kashmir Welfare Foundation exists — to ensure that when violence erupts or disasters strike, help is immediate, compassionate, and dignified.
Through every crisis, our guiding principle remains the same: never let suffering wait for funding.
That is why the Emergency Budget is so vital. It empowers our teams to act within minutes, not days, ensuring that aid reaches those in need without hesitation.
A Call to Compassion
As the situation stabilises, our ambulances are returning to their regular duties — serving villages, providing healthcare transport, and responding to local emergencies. But the memory of those days remains vivid.
For every person saved, there are countless others who still need ongoing care — trauma counselling, medical treatment, or home repairs after displacement.
Your ongoing support ensures we remain ready — not only when conflict flares, but every single day.
The Kashmir LOC Appeal helps us maintain this readiness, replenish emergency reserves, and keep vital ambulances like Nadeem’s operational.
Give from your heart. Support resilience. Help us stay prepared for the next call that could save a life.
Donate now to the Kashmir LOC Appeal. Help us prepare in advance.
Standing with the People of Kashmir
Kashmir has endured decades of suffering, yet its people continue to embody remarkable resilience. Every crisis reveals the same truth: no matter how dark the night, compassion always finds a way to shine through.
From our emergency teams on the front lines to our donors in the UK, every act of giving strengthens the chain of hope that connects us. Together, we ensure that humanity is never a casualty of war.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Kashmir LOC Appeal?
The Kashmir LOC Appeal is a dedicated emergency response fund operated by Kashmir Welfare Foundation. It supports civilians affected by violence and displacement along the Line of Control through medical aid, evacuation, and post-crisis recovery.
2. How does Kashmir Welfare Foundation respond so quickly during crises?
Thanks to our pre-established Emergency Budget and trained on-ground teams, we are always ready to act. This allows us to mobilise ambulances, distribute supplies, and deliver aid without waiting for fresh fundraising.
3. How are UK donations used in conflict zones?
Funds from UK donors go directly towards purchasing medical supplies, fuel for ambulances, food aid, and emergency kits. Every pound is accounted for and spent transparently to maximise impact.
4. What kind of support do affected families receive after the conflict?
Our teams provide medical treatment, hygiene kits, and emotional support. We also help families rebuild their homes and reconnect with essential services once the danger subsides.
5. How can I help Kashmir Welfare Foundation prepare for future emergencies?
The best way is through Regular Giving or Sadaqah. These ongoing donations allow us to maintain readiness and respond instantly when crises arise.
