DUSHANBE, March 3, Asia-Plus  -- Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) in Tajikistan on March 3 announced the appointment of Mr. Mustafa Karim as its Executive Officer.

Ms. Soro Marodaliyeva, Communications Officer Focus Humanitarian Assistance USA, Field Office Tajikistan, said that Mr. Karim will be based in Dushanbe and will hold overall responsibility for the implementation of FOCUS programs and activities across Tajikistan, effective immediately. Mr. Karim will be reporting to the FOCUS USA Board.

Mr. Karim has previously worked with FOCUS in Canada from 1997 to 2002, during which time he oversaw FOCUS’ multifaceted engagement in providing critical support services for displaced persons from Afghanistan, in Canada.

Mr. Karim holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Stanford University and has extensive experience in managing non-profit and for-profit institutions, including serving nine years with the Aga Khan University in Pakistan.

Focus Humanitarian Assistance is an international group of charities affiliated to the Aga Khan Network.  It was set up in order to respond to natural and man-made disasters, and has worked in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Germany, Mozambique, Pakistan, Russia and Zanzibar.  It distributes food, medicines and essential material, and assists with the resettlement of displaced persons.