National Federation Past Pupils of Don Bosco Pakistan
HISTORY OF THE DON BOSCO PAST PUPILS NATIONAL FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN
From Four Alumni in Lahore to a Recognized National Federation
Introduction
The Don Bosco Past Pupils National Federation of Pakistan is the national movement of former students of Don Bosco institutions in Pakistan. Rooted in the educational and spiritual heritage of St. John Bosco, the Federation seeks to keep alive the bond between former pupils and the Don Bosco family long after they have completed their formal education.
The Federation is inspired by the Salesian educational vision of forming “Good Christians and Honest Citizens.” It encourages Past Pupils to place their education, professional skills, experience, leadership, and talents at the service of young people, families, communities, and society.
Its mission includes:
Youth empowerment and leadership formation
Education and skills development
Social responsibility and community development
Service to poor and marginalized communities
Peacebuilding and interfaith harmony
Solidarity and fraternity among Past Pupils
Promotion of human dignity and social justice
Support for disadvantaged young people
Strengthening collaboration with Don Bosco institutions and the Salesian Family
Promoting the witness and cause of the Servant of God Akash Bashir.
The history of the Pakistani Past Pupils movement is a story of faith, fraternity, perseverance, service, leadership, sacrifice, and growth. What began in Lahore in 2019 with a gathering of only four former students gradually developed into a national organization and, on 30 October 2021, received official recognition from the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco.
THE GLOBAL HISTORY OF THE DON BOSCO PAST PUPILS MOVEMENT
1. The Beginning at the Time of St. John Bosco
The Past Pupils movement has its roots in the life and educational mission of St. John Bosco himself.
On 24 June 1870, Carlo Gastini and a group of former pupils of the Oratory at Valdocco in Turin visited Don Bosco to congratulate him on his name day. They brought him gifts as an expression of gratitude for the education, formation, friendship, and affection they had received from him.
On that occasion, Don Bosco referred to them as “Past Pupils.”
This gathering became the beginning of a movement that would eventually spread throughout Italy and then across the world.
Carlo Gastini and his companions were among the earliest students of Don Bosco’s Oratory. Their initiative gave birth to what is regarded as the mother association of the Don Bosco Past Pupils movement.
The movement subsequently developed in different countries:
1893 – Lille, France: A Past Pupils association was established in the form of a mutual-aid association.
1894 – Turin, Italy: One of the earliest documented local Past Pupils associations was established among former students of the first festive Oratory.
1896 – Parma, Nice and Marseille: Past Pupils associations and unions were established, with Marseille introducing a membership contribution in its statutes.
1897 – Faenza: Former students established the “Association of Ancient Students” of the Salesian Institute.
1897 – Genoa Sampierdarena: A convention of former students was held to mark the 25th anniversary of the institute.
1899 – Spain and Belgium: Past Pupils movements developed in Sarrià and Liège.
1901 – Argentina: The movement began establishing itself among Past Pupils overseas.
By the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, Past Pupils associations were flourishing in different countries.
The movement developed around a fundamental idea inherited from Don Bosco: education creates a lifelong relationship and a lifelong responsibility.
Don Bosco did not see education as ending when a young person left the school or Oratory. He wanted his former pupils to carry the values they had received into their families, professions, communities, and society.
Today, the Don Bosco Past Pupils movement is present throughout the world as part of the wider Salesian Family.
THE BEGINNING OF THE PAST PUPILS MOVEMENT IN PAKISTAN
2. The Revival in Lahore – August 2019
The organized revival of the Don Bosco Past Pupils movement in Pakistan began in August 2019 in Lahore.
The initiative emerged from the recognition of the importance of reconnecting former students of the Don Bosco Technical Centre, Lahore, and creating a structured Past Pupils association in Pakistan.
The initiative received the support and encouragement of the Salesian leadership, particularly:
Rev. Fr. Noble Lal, SDB – Rector, Don Bosco Lahore
Rev. Fr. Václav Klement, SDB
To begin the alumni outreach and coordination process, the Salesian Community appointed Br. Alex Abelgas, SDB, as the Salesian Delegate to accompany the emerging Past Pupils movement.
The first gathering took place in August 2019.
Only four alumni attended.
Although the number was small, the meeting became an important historical moment. It marked the beginning of a renewed effort to bring former students together as one Don Bosco family.
The four alumni expressed their desire to reconnect with one another and to continue living the values they had received through their Don Bosco education.
3. Growth from Four to Sixteen Alumni
The initial gathering generated interest among other former students.
A second meeting was held in September 2019, and the number of participants increased from four to eight alumni.
The growing participation demonstrated that former students were interested in rebuilding their relationship with Don Bosco and with one another.
A major milestone followed on 20 October 2019, when the third alumni gathering was held.
This time, sixteen alumni participated.
During this historic meeting, the participants unanimously agreed to establish a formal national organization:
DON BOSCO PAST PUPILS ASSOCIATION OF PAKISTAN
The formation of the Association represented the formal beginning of the organized national Past Pupils movement in Pakistan.
THE FIRST NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
4. Election of the First National President.
During the historic meeting of 20 October 2019, Mr. Asif Daniel, S/o Mr. Daniel Tasleem, was elected as the first National President of the Don Bosco Past Pupils Association of Pakistan.
His first term covered:
October 2019 – September 2023
Following his election, President Asif Daniel constituted an Executive Council to assist in developing the Association, increasing alumni participation, establishing organizational structures, and expanding the Past Pupils movement.
The first National Council therefore became the foundation upon which the future National Federation would be built.
SALESIAN ACCOMPANIMENT
5. The Role of the Salesian Delegates
From its beginning, the Past Pupils movement in Pakistan has developed with the spiritual, pastoral, and organizational accompaniment of the Salesian Congregation.
The Salesian Delegates have played an important role in maintaining the Federation’s connection with:
St. John Bosco
Salesian spirituality
The Salesian Family
Don Bosco institutions
The worldwide Past Pupils movement.
Br. Alex Abelgas, SDB
October 2019 – March 2021
Br. Alex Abelgas, SDB, accompanied the Past Pupils movement during its foundational period. He supported the initial alumni gatherings and helped facilitate the establishment of the organized Past Pupils association.
Br. Piero Ramello, SDB
October 2021 – June 2025
Br. Piero Ramello, SDB, served as Salesian National Delegate during an important period of organizational consolidation and international recognition.
His accompaniment was particularly significant in the process that led to the official recognition of the Pakistani Past Pupils organization by the World Confederation.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Lee Wong, SDB
October 2025 – Present
Rev. Fr. Andrew Lee Wong, SDB, currently serves as the National Delegate and continues to provide spiritual and pastoral accompaniment to the National Federation.
His role includes strengthening the Federation’s Salesian identity and its relationship with the Salesian Family.
OFFICIAL RECOGNITION BY THE WORLD CONFEDERATION
6. Recognition on 30 October 2021
One of the most important milestones in the history of the Past Pupils movement in Pakistan took place on:
30 October 2021
On this date, the National Federation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco Pakistan received official recognition from the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco.
The recognition was granted by the then World President, Mr. Michael Hort, through the efforts and collaboration of:
Br. Piero Ramello, SDB – National Salesian Delegate
Mr. Asif Daniel – National President of Pakistan
This recognition formally connected Pakistan’s Past Pupils movement with the worldwide Don Bosco Past Pupils family.
It represented a major transition from an emerging national association into a recognized national federation connected with the international Past Pupils movement.
The recognition also opened opportunities for Pakistani Past Pupils to participate in international gatherings, exchange experiences with Past Pupils from other countries, strengthen international fraternity, and contribute to the worldwide mission of Don Bosco.
THE FIRST STATUTE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION
7. Establishment of the First National Statute
An important part of the organizational development of the Pakistani Federation was the preparation of its first National Statute.
The Statute was developed through the joint efforts of:
Mr. Asif Daniel
National President
and
Br. Piero Ramello, SDB
National Salesian Delegate
The Statute provided an organizational and constitutional framework for the Federation and helped establish clearer structures for national leadership, membership, local units, responsibilities, elections, and cooperation with Don Bosco institutions.
The first Statute was subsequently approved by Rev. Fr. Noble Lal, SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Lahore.
The approval of the Statute represented another important step toward creating a structured and sustainable national Past Pupils organization.
YEARS OF LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
8. The Leadership of President Asif Daniel
Since the establishment of the national association in 2019, Mr. Asif Daniel has played a central role in the development of the Past Pupils movement in Pakistan.
Over the course of more than seven years of involvement, his work has focused particularly on young people, especially those who are poor, marginalized, disadvantaged, and deprived of educational and professional opportunities.
His leadership has emphasized:
Youth empowerment
Education and educational opportunities
Leadership formation
Technical and vocational skills
Social responsibility
Community development
Peacebuilding
Interfaith harmony
Support for marginalized communities
Promotion of the Salesian mission
Promotion of the cause of the Servant of God Akash Bashir
His work has been closely supported by Mr. Asif Boota, S/o Mr. Boota Khushi Masih, who has served as National Senior Vice President.
Together, President Asif Daniel and Senior Vice President Asif Boota have worked for the development of the Past Pupils movement and for the welfare and empowerment of young people.
CHALLENGES, THREATS AND PERSEVERANCE
9. Continuing the Mission Despite Difficulties
The development of the Past Pupils movement in Pakistan has not taken place without challenges.
During their years of service, President Asif Daniel and National Senior Vice President Asif Boota have faced numerous difficulties, including:
Personal hardships
Social prejudice
Religious discrimination
Security concerns
Opposition to their community work
Threats from extremist elements
Pressure to discontinue their public activities
Among the most serious challenges were threats from extremist individuals and elements who opposed their continued work for marginalized communities and young people.
At certain moments, the security situation required both leaders to temporarily reduce their public visibility.
There were periods when they had to withdraw from social media, limit public exposure, or work discreetly in order to protect themselves and their families.
Nevertheless, these circumstances did not end their commitment to the mission.
When circumstances permitted, they continued their work through youth programmes, community initiatives, educational activities, Past Pupils formation, humanitarian support, and collaboration with Don Bosco institutions.
Their perseverance demonstrates that the Past Pupils mission is not merely an organizational responsibility but a commitment to continue the values received through Don Bosco education despite difficulties and opposition.
DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL UNITS
10. Establishment of Lahore and Quetta Local Units
As the national organization developed, the Federation began strengthening its local structures.
Two Local Units were successfully established:
Lahore Local Unit
Quetta Local Unit
These Local Units created opportunities for Past Pupils to remain connected at the grassroots level and to participate in:
Alumni fraternity
Leadership development
Youth activities
Community service
Don Bosco programmes
Social initiatives
Local Past Pupils gatherings
Their establishment represented an important transition from a newly revived alumni association toward a more structured national movement.
11. Lahore Local Unit
The Lahore Local Unit developed from the original alumni network that played a central role in the revival of the Past Pupils movement in 2019.
The Lahore Local Unit successfully completed two consecutive full terms, with each term lasting two years.
Its development demonstrated the importance of local leadership and grassroots participation in strengthening the national movement.
12. Quetta Local Unit
The Quetta Local Unit was established to strengthen the Past Pupils presence in Balochistan.
It provided a structured platform through which former students could remain connected with one another and with the wider Don Bosco family.
The Quetta Local Unit also successfully completed two consecutive full terms, each lasting two years.
The successful completion of these terms represented an important achievement in developing sustainable local structures beyond Lahore.
MAJOR INITIATIVES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
13. Jaranwala Relief and Rehabilitation Initiative
Following the tragic Jaranwala incident, the Federation responded with humanitarian solidarity toward affected Christian families and communities.
The response included efforts related to:
Relief
Rehabilitation
Educational assistance
Community support
Solidarity with affected families
The initiative demonstrated the Federation’s commitment to standing with vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
14. Ziarat School Project
The Ziarat School Project was undertaken with the objective of strengthening educational opportunities for children living in remote and underserved communities.
The initiative reflects the Federation’s belief that education can transform lives, reduce inequality, and create opportunities for young people who otherwise have limited access to quality education.
15. Promotion of the Servant of God Akash Bashir
One of the significant areas of the Federation’s mission has been the promotion of the life, witness, courage, and sacrifice of the Servant of God Akash Bashir.
Through:
Youth gatherings
Seminars
Conferences
Awareness programmes
National activities
International activities
the Federation has sought to introduce young people to Akash Bashir’s witness of faith, courage, responsibility, service, and sacrifice.
His example is presented as a source of inspiration for young people to live their faith with courage and to serve others.
16. Youth Leadership and Skills Development
The Federation has promoted youth leadership, formation, education, and skills development.
These initiatives are rooted in the Salesian understanding that young people should not simply be recipients of assistance.
They should be empowered to become:
Responsible citizens
Community leaders
Skilled professionals
Agents of positive change
Contributors to the development of society.
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
17. Pakistan in the Worldwide Past Pupils Movement
Following its recognition by the World Confederation, the National Federation of Pakistan increased its participation in international Past Pupils activities.
President Mr. Asif Daniel represented the Pakistani Federation at international activities in Italy, including:
2024 – Turin, Italy
Participation in worldwide Past Pupils activities, including the Extraordinary World General Assembly.
January 2026 – Turin, Italy
Participation in the Salesian Spirituality Days and related worldwide Don Bosco activities.
These international engagements strengthened the connection between Pakistani Past Pupils and the worldwide Don Bosco Past Pupils family.
They also created opportunities for:
International fraternity
Networking
Exchange of experiences
Collaboration
Spiritual formation
Greater visibility of Pakistan within the worldwide Past Pupils movement.
RE-ELECTION OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
18. Second Term of President Asif Daniel
After completing his first four-year term in September 2023, Mr. Asif Daniel, S/o Mr. Daniel Tasleem, was re-elected as National President.
His second term covers:
September 2023 – August 2027
His re-election reflected continued confidence in his leadership and commitment to the Past Pupils movement.
During the second term, the Federation continued to focus on:
Strengthening national structures
Developing Local Units
Youth formation
Education and skills development
Community service
International cooperation
Strengthening links with the Salesian Family
Expanding the Don Bosco Past Pupils movement in Pakistan.
NATIONAL COUNCIL
19. National Leadership 2023–2027
Following his re-election, President Asif Daniel formed the National Council to support the administration and development of the Federation.
Current National Council
Position
Name
Term
National President
Mr. Asif Daniel, S/o Mr. Daniel Tasleem
September 2023 – August 2027
National Senior Vice President
Mr. Asif Boota, S/o Mr. Boota Khushi Masih
September 2023 – August 2027
National Vice President (GEX)
Mr. Nelson Suleman, S/o Suleman
September 2023 – August 2027
National Secretary
Mr. Kashif Bashir, S/o Bashir Masih
September 2023 – August 2027
National Treasurer
Mr. Yaser George, S/o George
September 2023 – August 2027
The National Council works collectively to strengthen the Federation’s structures, coordinate national activities, support Local Units, promote youth programmes, maintain communication, and strengthen cooperation with Don Bosco institutions and the Salesian Family.
CURRENT SALESIAN ACCOMPANIMENT
20. National Delegate
The current Salesian accompaniment of the Federation is provided by:
Rev. Fr. Andrew Lee Wong, SDB
National Salesian Delegate
October 2025 – Present
The National Delegate accompanies the Federation in maintaining its Salesian identity, strengthening its relationship with the Salesian Family, and ensuring that the Past Pupils movement remains rooted in the spirituality and charism of St. John Bosco.
ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH – A TIMELINE
21. Major Milestones
Date / Period
Milestone
August 2019
First Past Pupils gathering in Lahore – 4 alumni
September 2019
Second gathering – 8 alumni
20 October 2019
Third gathering – 16 alumni and formal establishment of the Don Bosco Past Pupils Association of Pakistan
October 2019 – September 2023
First term of National President Mr. Asif Daniel
October 2019 – March 2021
Salesian National Delegate Br. Alex Abelgas, SDB
30 October 2021
Official recognition by the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, through World President Mr. Michael Hort, with the efforts of Br. Piero Ramello, SDB, and Mr. Asif Daniel
2021
First National Statute developed by Br. Piero Ramello, SDB, and Mr. Asif Daniel and approved by Rev. Fr. Noble Lal, SDB
October 2021 – June 2025
Salesian National Delegate Br. Piero Ramello, SDB
2023 – 2027
Second term of National President Mr. Asif Daniel
2024
Pakistan represented at worldwide Past Pupils activities in Turin, Italy
October 2024
Pakistan represented at the Extraordinary World General Assembly in Turin, Italy
October 2025 – Present
National Delegate Rev. Fr. Andrew Lee Wong, SDB
January 2026
Pakistan represented at Salesian Spirituality Days in Turin, Italy
Present
National Federation continues its mission as a recognized member of the worldwide Don Bosco Past Pupils family.
THE SPIRIT AND MISSION OF THE FEDERATION
22. A Lifelong Relationship with Don Bosco
The Don Bosco Past Pupils National Federation of Pakistan believes that the relationship between Don Bosco and his former pupils does not end when a student completes his education.
Rather, Don Bosco education creates a lifelong bond and lifelong responsibility.
A Past Pupil is called to carry the values received from Don Bosco into:
Family life
Professional life
Community life
Church life
Youth service
Social development
Education
Peacebuilding
Human solidarity
The Federation therefore encourages every Past Pupil to become an ambassador of the Don Bosco spirit wherever he or she lives and works.
SERVICE TO THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED
23. A Special Commitment to Young People
A particular priority of the Pakistani Federation is service to young people who are:
Poor
Marginalized
Vulnerable
Underprivileged
Unemployed
Deprived of educational opportunities
Without access to professional skills
The Federation seeks to promote opportunities through education, technical and vocational training, leadership formation, community development, and networking.
This commitment reflects the heart of Don Bosco’s mission: to accompany young people, especially those who have the fewest opportunities, and help them build a dignified future.
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
24. Vision for the Coming Years
The Don Bosco Past Pupils National Federation of Pakistan continues to develop as a national movement committed to:
Faith – Education – Service – Solidarity – Youth Empowerment – Leadership – Peace – Social Responsibility
Its future priorities include:
Expanding the Past Pupils network throughout Pakistan.
Strengthening existing Local Units.
Establishing additional Local Units where appropriate.
Increasing youth leadership and skills-development opportunities.
Promoting education among disadvantaged young people.
Strengthening cooperation with Don Bosco institutions.
Deepening collaboration with the Salesian Family.
Supporting poor, marginalized, and vulnerable communities.
Promoting peace and interfaith harmony.
Increasing Pakistan’s participation in worldwide Past Pupils activities.
Strengthening relationships with Past Pupils organizations internationally.
Encouraging every Past Pupil to become an active contributor to society.
CURRENT LEADERSHIP
National President
Mr. Asif Daniel, S/o Mr. Daniel Tasleem
September 2023 – August 2027
National Senior Vice President
Mr. Asif Boota, S/o Mr. Boota Khushi Masih
September 2023 – August 2027
National Vice President (GEX)
Mr. Nelson Suleman, S/o Suleman
September 2023 – August 2027
National Secretary
Mr. Kashif Bashir, S/o Bashir Masih
September 2023 – August 2027
National Treasurer
Mr. Yaser George, S/o George
September 2023 – August 2027
National Salesian Delegate
Rev. Fr. Andrew Lee Wong, SDB
October 2025 – Present
CONCLUSION
The history of the Don Bosco Past Pupils National Federation of Pakistan is a testimony to the enduring power of the Don Bosco spirit and to the determination of former pupils to continue the mission they received through their education.
The journey began in August 2019 in Lahore, when only four alumni gathered to reconnect with one another and revive the Past Pupils movement.
The number increased to eight alumni in September 2019 and then to sixteen alumni on 20 October 2019, when the Don Bosco Past Pupils Association of Pakistan was formally established and Mr. Asif Daniel was elected as its first National President.
The movement subsequently developed its national structures, established Lahore and Quetta Local Units, developed its first National Statute, and expanded its youth, educational, humanitarian, and community initiatives.
A defining moment came on 30 October 2021, when the organization received official recognition from the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco under the leadership of World President Mr. Michael Hort, through the dedicated efforts of Br. Piero Ramello, SDB, and National President Mr. Asif Daniel.
The development of the Federation has also been shaped by the dedication of its leaders. President Asif Daniel and National Senior Vice President Asif Boota have worked together for more than seven years in service of young people and marginalized communities.
Their journey has not been without serious difficulties. They have experienced social prejudice, discrimination, security concerns, and threats from extremist elements opposed to their work. At certain moments, they were forced to reduce their public visibility, withdraw from social media, or continue their work discreetly for their safety.
Yet the mission continued.
Their perseverance, together with the support and accompaniment of the Salesian Family, has helped the Past Pupils movement develop from a small group of four alumni into a recognized national organization connected with the worldwide Don Bosco Past Pupils family.
The Federation has also represented Pakistan at international Past Pupils and Salesian activities in Italy, strengthening the country’s relationship with the global Don Bosco movement.
Today, the Don Bosco Past Pupils National Federation of Pakistan continues to look toward the future with a clear mission: to keep alive the spirit of Don Bosco in the lives of former pupils and to transform that spirit into lifelong service to young people, the Church, communities, and society.
The journey that began with four alumni continues to grow.
The mission remains the same:
“Good Christians and Honest Citizens.” Continuing the Mission of Don Bosco Through a Lifetime of Service.
Fr. Andrew Lee Wong (SDB)
The National Salesian Delegation
Mr. Asif Daniel
The National President
Mr. Asif Boota
The National Vice President (Senior)
Mr. Nelson Suleman
The National Vice President (GEX)
Mr. kashif Bashir
The National Secratery
Mr. Yaser George
The National Treasurer
Global History of Don Bosco Alumni Association
OUR PROJECTS
- Wood Works
- Fine Arts
- Electrical Services
- Steel Works
- AC Refrigeration
- Solar System
FOR DONATION
- Don Bosco Eduational Society (Don Bosco Technical & Youth Centre)
- IBAN# PK53 MCIB 2091-0041-3762-0009
- Swift Code: MCIBPKKI
- MCB Islamic Bank
- Branch Address: 209 ATTARI BRANCH FEROZPUR ROAD LAHORE. PROPERTY NO. S-86-R-800/C/HALL, SAROBA, FEROZPUR ROAD, LAHORE