The mission of The Bridge for Resilience, Empowerment, and Development Organization (BREDO) is to address the underlying conditions that place communities at risk, ensuring that no life is lost due to unpreparedness, exclusion, or a lack of awareness.
Disasters rarely strike without warning; they emerge where systems have weakened over time. Fragile infrastructure, unsafe housing, environmental hazards, and limited access to information all contribute to vulnerability. Resilience, therefore, is not built in moments of crisis; it is cultivated through prevention, inclusion, and sustained community engagement.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that protection begins with people. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities must not remain passive recipients of aid; they are central to decision-making, leadership, and collective safety. Empowerment at the community level transforms vulnerability into strength and ensures that preparedness becomes a shared social value.
Through our programs, hazards are identified and reduced before they cause harm. Streets and public spaces are made safer, skills are provided to differently-abled individuals, and women and girls are supported to lead in times of crisis. Economic resilience within households is strengthened, reflecting our conviction that safety and dignity are universal rights.
True resilience is not achieved solely through institutions; it grows in homes, neighborhoods, and communities. When awareness and empowerment take root at the grassroots, societies become capable of facing adversity with foresight and unity.
I extend my deepest appreciation to all partners, volunteers, and community members whose dedication continues to drive this mission forward. Together, we work not in reaction to disaster, but in preparation for a safer, more equitable, and resilient future for all.
With dedication and responsibility,
Mr. Ali Sohaib
Founder & General Secretary
The Bridge for Resilience, Empowerment and Development Organization (BREDO)
PhD in Arts & Social Sciences (Social Work), University of Karachi.
Dr. Aslam Ismail is a social development professional with extensive experience in public service, disability inclusion, and community welfare. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences from the University of Karachi and has served as Deputy Regional Director Sindh at the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities.
At BREDO, Dr. Ismail contributes to organizational strategy and program development, focusing on social inclusion, policy implementation, and institutional capacity building to support marginalized communities.
PhD in Arts and Social Sciences, Centre of Excellence for Women’s Studies, University of Karachi.
Dr. Shazia Sharafat is an academic and development professional with expertise in women’s studies and social development. She holds a PhD in Arts and Social Sciences from the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Studies, University of Karachi.
At BREDO, she contributes to program design and policy advisory work related to women’s empowerment, education, and inclusive social progress.
Founder & General Secretary,
The Bridge for Resilience, Empowerment & Development Organization (BREDO)
M.Phil. in Social Work, University of Karachi.
Mr. Ali Sohaib is a humanitarian and social development professional dedicated to advancing resilience, empowerment, and community well-being. He holds an M.Phil. in Social Work and a Master’s in Gender Studies from the University of Karachi, with extensive training in disaster management and humanitarian response.
As a trained rescuer with certifications in Search and Rescue (SAR), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), and Rope Rescue from IHH Turkey, he has participated in multiple emergency operations and life-saving missions. In 2022, he represented Pakistan as a Youth Delegate at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) General Assembly.
Mr. Sohaib has been recognized with several national awards for his humanitarian service and continues to lead initiatives focused on disaster preparedness, social inclusion, and youth leadership through BREDO.
PhD in Arts and Social Sciences, Centre of Excellence for Women’s Studies, University of Karachi.
Dr. Rukhsana is an academic and researcher specializing in gender and development studies. With a PhD in Arts and Social Sciences from the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Studies, University of Karachi, she brings valuable expertise in women’s empowerment, social policy, and inclusive development.
At BREDO, she provides academic guidance and strategic insight on programs related to gender equality, community participation, and social advancement.
Graduate, Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Anadolu University
Coordinator, Disaster Academy – IHH Disaster Management Department
Mr. Ahmet Turkmenoğlu is an experienced disaster management professional with a strong background in humanitarian response and capacity building. A graduate of Anadolu University’s Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, he has dedicated his career to advancing disaster preparedness and resilience both nationally and internationally.
In 2016, he served as the Branch Manager of the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation in Gaziantep, where he actively contributed to humanitarian operations during the Syrian civil war. His leadership extended to coordinating field responses and managing cross-border relief initiatives.
Since 2021, as Coordinator of the IHH Disaster Academy, Mr. Turkmenoğlu has been instrumental in developing and delivering specialized training programs in urban and wilderness search and rescue. Under the ADAMEP project, implemented in collaboration with TİKA, he has led training for search and rescue teams and instructors from Lebanon, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pakistan, Northern Iraq, and South Africa, promoting international cooperation and professional excellence in disaster response.
BDS, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Dr. Atka Ijaz is a dental and public health professional from Denmark, holding a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the University of Copenhagen. Her work reflects a commitment to community well-being, preventive healthcare, and global cooperation in social development.
At BREDO, she contributes to international collaboration and supports initiatives that promote health awareness and cross-cultural exchange.
M.A. in Political Science, University of Karachi.
Mr. Muhammad Kaleem is a social development practitioner with a background in governance and public administration. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Karachi and has served in the Federal Government of Pakistan.
At BREDO, he contributes to organizational management and policy coordination, supporting initiatives that promote social welfare, institutional development, and community empowerment.
BS in Criminology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University.
Ms. Alishba is a development professional with a background in criminology and social systems. She holds a BS in Criminology from Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University.
At BREDO, she oversees program planning and implementation, focusing on community engagement, youth empowerment, and social protection initiatives.
BS. in software Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.
Mr. Muhammad Umer is a digital strategist with expertise in software engineering and content management systems. His professional background includes leading digital transformation initiatives across technology and media organizations, focusing on sustainable and secure digital growth.
At BREDO, he supports the organization’s communication and technology development, ensuring a strong, credible, and globally connected online presence. His approach emphasizes innovation, transparency, and digital resilience—key elements in strengthening institutional outreach and engagement within the humanitarian and development sector.
BS in Gender Studies, University of Karachi.
Ms. Zonash is a social development professional with a background in gender studies and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies from the University of Karachi.
At BREDO, she oversees networking and stakeholder coordination, building partnerships that strengthen collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment within the organization’s programs.
BS. in software Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.
Mr. Muhammad Umer is a digital strategist with expertise in software engineering and content management systems. His professional background includes leading digital transformation initiatives across technology and media organizations, focusing on sustainable and secure digital growth.
At BREDO, he supports the organization’s communication and technology development, ensuring a strong, credible, and globally connected online presence. His approach emphasizes innovation, transparency, and digital resilience—key elements in strengthening institutional outreach and engagement within the humanitarian and development sector.
BS in Gender Studies, University of Karachi.
Ms. Dua is a social development professional with a background in gender studies and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies from the University of Karachi.
At BREDO, she oversees networking and stakeholder coordination, building partnerships that strengthen collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment within the organization’s programs.
