Houston has one of the largest Pakistani communities in the American South, from Sugar Land and Katy to Bellaire and Pearland, and its mosques and community associations are busy every Ramadan. Houston families who would like some of their zakat or Sadaqah to cross the world to Pakistan can give to Peace and Humanity Welfare Organization (PHWO); here is what that involves.
PHWO is a Pakistani organisation run largely by volunteers. Its only office is in Larkana, Sindh; it has no Texas office or representative. Every gift goes directly from your own bank, and every service PHWO gives families in Pakistan is free.
Houston and Pakistan: a close link
Houston is home to a Consulate General of Pakistan, and many families keep strong ties to Karachi, Lahore and the rest of the country. When floods or other disasters hit Pakistan, PHWO’s emergency relief programme is one way for Houston donors to help; outside emergencies, gifts support education, health and poverty relief.
How to send your gift from Houston
On the Donate page, choose Zakat, Sadaqah, a general donation or a programme. Then send an international wire from your US bank to the account details shown on that page — copy them from there, not from a message. Your dollars are converted into rupees; banks charge different fees and rates, so ask first.
The tax question
PHWO is not a US 501(c)(3) charity, and donations to it are not tax-deductible in the United States. Some donors split their giving: part to a US-registered charity for the deduction, and part directly to an organisation in Pakistan. Either choice is fine; we simply want you to know the position before you give.
Beyond money
Texas has many engineers, doctors and IT professionals of Pakistani heritage. If you would like to give your skills, you can volunteer online. Equipment such as laptops, medical devices or solar panels can be offered through Ways to give; each offer is reviewed first.
Keep reading
Next, read our guides on how to send zakat to Pakistan, step by step and paying Fitrana from abroad, or see every city and guide on the Donate to Pakistan from abroad page.
Want to give something other than money? Ways to give covers equipment, vehicles, waqf and legacies. If you know a family in Pakistan who needs help, they can request help online or ask for free legal aid, both free. You can check what PHWO publishes on transparency, and when you are ready, give through the Donate page.
Further reading and independent checks
These independent sources can help you check the facts for yourself. PHWO is not connected with them, and linking to them does not mean they endorse PHWO.
Useful links for donors in Houston
- Consulate General of Pakistan, HoustonConsular services for Pakistanis in Texas and nearby states
These are public or independent services, listed to help you give safely. They are not part of PHWO.
Frequently asked questions
Does PHWO have anyone in Houston?
No. PHWO has no office, agent or collector in Houston. Give only through the Donate page.
Is a gift from Texas to PHWO deductible?
No. Only gifts to qualifying US charities are deductible, and PHWO is not a 501(c)(3). Your gift is not tax-deductible in the US.
Can I give for flood relief in Pakistan?
Yes. Choose the emergency relief programme on the Donate page. Help depends on verified need, and no outcome is promised.
How long does a wire to Pakistan take?
It depends on your bank and its correspondent bank. Allow several business days, especially for Fitrana before Eid.
Will I get a receipt?
Yes. A numbered PHWO receipt is emailed once your transfer is matched with the bank record.