What The Hunar Foundation does

The Hunar Foundation (THF) is Pakistan's largest private-sector not-for-profit organization in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) category, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Karachi with operations across Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. THF operates a network of 16 technical institutes (plus 4 upcoming) delivering hands-on training in traditional trades (HVAC, electrical, welding, plumbing, automotive, machining, beauty and fashion) and in digital and emerging technologies (digital marketing, web development, graphic design, big data analytics, mechatronics/robotics, cyber security, e-commerce, industrial automation). Courses are accredited by NAVTTC, STEVTA, SBTE, PBTE, TTB Sindh, and PSDA, enabling nationally and internationally recognized certifications, and are delivered through three product tiers: Technical Courses, Advanced Technology Courses, and Emerging Technology Courses. Supporting divisions include Hunar Cares (healthcare training launched January 2023 with a Basic Nursing Assistant pilot) and the Mustafa Kassam Teacher's Training Institute for instructor capacity building.

THF's business model is a hybrid non-profit revenue structure: the foundation receives donations, Zakat contributions, and corporate sponsorships (including structured student sponsorship tiers at PKR 90,000 per 6-month student), supplemented by nominal monthly tuition fees from affording students and scholarships/Zakat support for deserving students. International chapters in the USA (501(c)(3) tax ID 452954245), Canada (CRA charity 783908312 RR0001), and UK (registered charity 1149733) enable cross-border tax-deductible giving, while Friends of Hunar (FOH) organizes grassroots fundraisers in Karachi and Lahore. THF's go-to-market combines direct enrollment at institutes, a Student Career Services department liaising with 650+ industrial partners for placement, and community-led outreach through success stories, testimonials, and digital content.

To date, THF has trained more than 38,250 graduates cumulatively, with 71% reported as economically engaged and alumni collectively earning over PKR 10 billion per year; the foundation's stated strategic goal is to train and certify 100,000+ students annually by 2025-26. The organization is audited by Ernst & Young, is tax-exempt under FBR NPO approval, and is governed by a Board of Directors including prominent Pakistani business leaders; CEO Tahir Jawaid joined on May 15, 2023. THF holds PCP, Zakat, and Shariah compliance certifications, making it eligible for institutional Muslim philanthropy.

Name

The Hunar Foundation

Legal name

The Hunar Foundation

Website

https://hunarfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Hunar Foundation is Pakistan's largest private-sector non-profit in the TVET sector, operating 16 technical institutes across Pakistan to train marginalized youth — particularly women — in vocational, technical, and emerging digital skills for employment, with a goal of 100,000+ graduates annually by 2025-26.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Computer Training (611420), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Systems & Skills Technical Assistance (BPADAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional & Career Skills Tutoring Platforms (Coding, Data, Business) (EDANAGAI), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

Keywords

• Vocational skills training
• Technical education services
• Workforce development programs
• Healthcare skills training
• Digital skills courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Karachi

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices18 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: THF is a Not-for-Profit Organization funded primarily through donations, Zakat, and charitable contributions from individuals, organizations, and its international chapters (USA, Canada, UK). THF is tax-exempt under NPO/FBR approval and Shariah-compliant.
2. Student Tuition Fees: Affording students pay a nominal monthly fee and admission charges per their enrolled program. Deserving students who cannot afford fees are eligible for scholarships or Zakat support.
3. Student Sponsorship Programs: Organizations and individuals can sponsor students: PKR 90,000 per student for 6-month course, PKR 450,000 for 5 students, PKR 900,000 for 10 students, PKR 2,250,000 for a class of 25 students. Additional sponsorship options include Digital Skill Lab Equipment (PKR 5,000,000) and Classroom Equipment (PKR 2,100,000).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Hunar Foundation is a non-profit vocational and technical education organization that operates a network of 16 institutes across Pakistan to deliver hands-on, industry-aligned skills training in traditional trades (HVAC, electrical, welding, plumbing, automotive), digital skills (web development, digital marketing, graphic design, big data analytics), emerging technologies (robotics, cyber security), and healthcare (nursing assistants, physiotherapists, community health workers). Training is offered at nominal or subsidized cost with scholarships/Zakat support for deserving students, and graduates are placed via partnerships with 650+ industrial employers.

Product overview

The Hunar Foundation (THF) is Pakistan's largest private non-profit organization in the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) sector, established in 2008. It operates as a unified platform offering vocational, technical, and digital skills training through its network of institutes across Pakistan. The core product is the Hunar Technical Institutes Network, supplemented by Hunar Care (healthcare training division), and the Mustafa Kassam Teacher's Training Institute. THF offers three tiers of courses: Technical Courses (traditional trades), Advanced Technology Courses (digital skills), and Emerging Technology Courses (future-focused tech). With 16 operational institutes and 4 upcoming, THF provides training in sectors including electrical, HVAC, automotive, machining, beauty, fashion, healthcare, IT, and hospitality. The organization aims to train and certify 100,000+ students annually by 2025-26.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Hunar Foundation USA: 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing internationally accredited vocational training with emphasis on women empowerment
• The Hunar Foundation Canada
• The Hunar Foundation UK
• Hunar Cares

Products and services

• Hunar Technical Institutes Network A nationwide network of 16 operational technical institutes plus 4 upcoming across Pakistan delivering skills-based programs in trades such as electrical work, HVAC, welding, machining, automotive, beauty services, healthcare, and digital skills. Designed for marginalized Pakistani youth, particularly women, seeking market-relevant vocational training.
• Advanced Technology Courses Digital skills training programs covering Amazon Virtual Assistant, Digital Marketing & SEO, Computer Graphics-Print, Social Media Marketing, Web Designing & Development, Advanced Web Application Development, CIT with Data Analytics, E-Commerce, Android Development, Big Data Analytics, Networking/Cloud Computing, and Video Editing for Pakistani youth seeking careers in the digital economy.
• Emerging Technology Courses Future-focused technology training including Mechatronics (Robotics), Cyber Security, and Industrial Automation with Cobot designed to prepare students for evolving technological landscapes and Industry 4.0 roles.
• Technical Courses (Traditional Trades) Hands-on vocational training programs covering traditional trades including Solar Technician, HVAC/R, Industrial Electrician, Automotive Mechatronics, Machinist, Welder, Motorcycle Mechanic, Plumber (Pipe Fitter), Hair & Beauty Services, Dress Making, Fashion Designing, and Hospitality Expert for entry-level employment or self-employment.
• Hunar Cares Healthcare Training Division A dedicated healthcare training division providing skills programs for Basic Nursing Assistant, Lay Counselor, Physiotherapy Assistant, Critical Care Assistant, Medical Receptionist, and Community Health Manager to address skill gaps in Pakistan's healthcare sector and place trained attendants in hospitals, clinics, and community health programs.
• Mustafa Kassam Teacher's Training Institute A specialized 10,800 sq. ft. capacity-building and soft-skills development institute within THF's Korangi Complex for training internal and external instructors and teachers in the TVET sector, ensuring consistent instructional quality across all THF institutes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 38,250+ graduates trained with 71% economically engaged and 10 Billion+ PKR annual collective earnings
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Reko Diq Mining CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Reko Diq Mining Company partnered with THF to establish the RDMC Technical Institute in Nok Kundi, Balochistan (operational from 2024), providing vocational training opportunities in a remote region.
• Healthcare Industry Partners (Hunar Cares MOUs)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Hunar Cares division launched Basic Nursing Assistant pilot in January 2023 with 49 students, having signed MOUs with key healthcare industry players. All enrolled students received training and placement support as care attendants.
• 650+ Industrial PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHF has established partnerships with 650+ industrial partners for curriculum alignment, on-the-job training opportunities, and graduate placement. The Placement Department builds relationships with HR officials, arranges interviews, and organizes job fairs at each institute.
• Hutchison Ports PakistanminorOthersCorporate donor and supporter of THF, listed among THF's Donors & Partners.
• Tapal TeaminorOthersCorporate donor and supporter of THF, listed among THF's Donors & Partners.
• Standard Chartered BankminorOthersCorporate donor and supporter of THF, listed among THF's Donors & Partners.
• NBP FundsminorOthersCorporate donor and supporter of THF, listed among THF's Donors & Partners.
• Jaffer Brothers (Pvt.) Ltd.minorOthersJaffer Brothers has supported THF through founding member Nasser Jaffer. The company may also serve as an employer of THF graduates.
• Ernst & Young (Chartered Accountants)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTHF is audited by Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants, providing financial transparency and credibility for donors.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Aman Tech (Aman Foundation): Aman Tech is the vocational training arm of Aman Foundation in Karachi, operating technical institutes offering similar trades (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automotive, welding) to underprivileged youth in Pakistan. It is the most directly comparable private-sector TVET NPO to THF in geography and beneficiary profile.
• NRSP (National Rural Support Programme): NRSP is one of Pakistan's largest rural support NGOs, running vocational and skills training programs alongside microfinance and community development. It is comparable to THF in NPO status, target population (low-income youth), and skills-development mission, though with a more rural footprint.
• HANDS Pakistan: HANDS is a large Pakistani NPO delivering community development, health, education, and vocational skills training across the country. It overlaps with THF in skills-development programming and grassroots delivery, though with a wider thematic remit including microfinance and health.
• Akhuwat Foundation: Akhuwat is Pakistan's largest interest-free microfinance organization and also runs vocational and skills training programs for underprivileged youth. It is a direct peer in NPO status, beneficiary profile, and educational/skills mission, with comparable nationwide Pakistani footprint.

Broad incumbents

• TEVTA (Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority, Punjab): TEVTA is the Punjab government body overseeing public-sector vocational institutes across hundreds of campuses. It is a broader incumbent in the same TVET category as THF, with much larger scale but a public-sector, government-funded model rather than NPO.
• NAVTTC (National Vocational & Technical Training Commission): NAVTTC is Pakistan's national TVET regulator and accreditation body, setting curriculum standards and accrediting institutes nationwide. It is a broader incumbent that defines the regulatory framework THF operates within, and a major competitor as it expands direct training programs.

Regional players

• STEVTA (Sindh Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority): STEVTA is the Sindh provincial TVET authority regulating vocational institutes and delivering training across Sindh — THF's primary geography. It is a regional incumbent comparable in mission and curriculum scope, though government-run rather than NPO.
• Punjab Skills Development Authority (PSDA): PSDA is the Punjab government body responsible for skills-development program oversight and accreditation across Punjab. It is a regional peer comparable in TVET regulation and program design, and a competitor in Punjab where THF also operates several institutes.

Emerging players

• Generation You Employed: Generation is a global employment-focused training nonprofit operating in 17+ countries, training unemployed youth in technology and customer-service roles with employer-matched placement. It is a globally comparable mission peer in employment-skills-for-marginalized-youth, though without THF's physical-institute vocational trades component.
• Injaz Pakistan: Injaz Pakistan is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide and delivers youth workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and skills programs in schools and communities across Pakistan. It is an emerging player in the same youth-skills category as THF, focused more on soft/entrepreneurial skills than technical trades.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/THFHunar

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Hunar Foundation