Draft:Muhammad Abdul Saboor

Dr. Muhammad Abdul Saboor serves as the CEO of the Lodhran Pilot Project (LPP). He has over 30 years of experience in sectors such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), sports management, disaster risk management, governance, human rights, child protection, women's empowerment, safeguarding, gender-based violence (GBV), and countering violent extremism (CVE). Saboor completed his Ph.D. in Political Science, focusing on the internal democracy of political parties. He is a member of the RSH National Expert Board, the SRHR South & Central Asian Hub, and a specialist in the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) program 2023.

Education

Saboor earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Bahauddin Zakariya University in 2018, with a thesis on the internal democracy of political parties in Pakistan. He also holds an MPhil in Political Science, an LLB from Multan Law College, and an advanced diploma in disaster management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok.

Lodhran Pilot Project

Saboor has transformed the Lodhran Pilot Project (LPP) from a local initiative to an internationally recognized NGO, expanding its operations from 3 to 11 districts and significantly increasing its financial portfolio. LPP has implemented projects making districts open defecation-free, establishing community flood resilience structures, and engaging in behavior change communication campaigns. The organization has benefited over 4.2 million people in the past 25 years. Saboor led the flood response in 2022-2023 and the COVID-19 response in 2021, assisting 18,000 families. Under Saboor's leadership, LPP has initiated several women's empowerment projects, including the "Taalu-e-Sahar" bike program, honey bee farming, and creating safe spaces for girls in sports. Saboor established gender-conducive environments, founded a toll-free helpline for GBV victims, and collaborated with government bodies on child and women's protection initiatives. He empowered over 3,000 women counselors and facilitated international sessions on gender equality. Saboor initiated the "Clean and Green Campaign" in Lodhran and other districts, addressing climate change by establishing urban forests in South Punjab. This initiative involves public-private partnerships and covers 30 acres with thousands of trees.

Career

Saboor represented Pakistan in the US-based CEE Program since 2023, mentoring individuals from five countries and promoting international collaboration and community engagement. Saboor has advocated for marginalized communities, organizing International Women’s Day celebrations in Multan from 1998 to 2007 and playing a role in increasing female representation in local government. He supported Mukhtaran Mai and assisted numerous violence and discrimination victims. Saboor has been involved with the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) since 2006, serving as a master trainer, program manager, and content developer. He contributed to the observation of the 2008 elections and the USAID-funded Citizen Voice Project (CVP). Saboor started his career with Oxfam Pakistan after the 1992 flood response and was a founding member of the Pattan Development Organization in 1993, serving as national field coordinator for ten years.

Sports Management

As the CEO of the Southern Punjab Cricket Association (SPCA) from 2021 to 2023, Saboor promoted cricket in 14 districts and secured significant sponsorships for various cricket initiatives. LPP established the first women's cricket league in South Punjab, leading to the creation of two girls' cricket academies.

Global Engagement

Saboor facilitated international sessions on the Beijing +10 agenda and CEDAW. He has received community development certification from the University of Glasgow and disaster management certification from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Saboor's contributions span across multiple sectors, reflecting his dedication to social justice, community development, and gender equality.

Publications

Saboor has published works on various topics, including the importance of political parties, the challenges faced by women counselors, and contributions to International Women's Day. His expertise as an experienced election observer for both general and local government elections in Pakistan and India underscores his commitment to fostering transparent and fair electoral processes. Saboor has authored and published valuable work focusing on the dynamics of the New Elected government and South Punjab. Devolved Service Delivery in Pakistan in 2003 with Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Department for International Development. (REPORT NO. 29912-PK WORLD BANK)