In July 1999, a group of activists in Union Council Hattar (District Haripur, NWFP) established the SAHARA Development Foundation (SDF). The organization was formally registered in April 2000 under the Societies Act 1860. The creation of SDF was inspired by the guidance and work of  Omar Asghar Khan.

After the untimely death of  Omar Asghar Khan under mysterious circumstances in June 2002, SDF in consultation with  Omar Asghar Khan's brother,  Ali Asghar Khan, and other friends decided to direct SDF's future strategy and programme towards emulating the efforts made by  Omar Asghar Khan to achieve a society based on the values of tolerance and social justice. At this time, the Board of Governors of SDF deciided to change the title of the organization to Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation, and refined its vision, mission and programme.

Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation strives for a democratic and peaceful society based on the values of equity, tolerance and justice in which all people are assured a life of quality. It is working towards creating opportunities for people, particularly the vulnerable, to strive collectively to secure human and livelihood rights by strengthening their asset base and making institutions and policies pro-poor.

Through a consultative process held in the first quarter of 2003, a strategy for the Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation was developed. The organization's vision and mission were redefined, and its overall objectives were clarified. The strategy also outlined the organization's future programme focus, coverage, and its management structure.

Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation is working in the Hazara region. Its advocacy work, particularly aimed at promoting pro-poor policies and action is national-based. Its main office is in Islamabad with a regional office in abbotabad.

Public mobilization                                           

People’s Organizations of women and men are created and strengthened to give people, particularly the marginalized, a collective identity and increased social capital. Coalitions of People’s Organizations at the Union Council and District levels are facilitated enabling these organized groups to assert their citizenship rights.    

Partnership with local communities

Close partnership with local communities is maintained by developing relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Primacy is given to local people’s leadership in processes of critical reflection and action to achieve a life of quality.  

Focus on the vulnerable

Equity and fairness are guiding principles. Though partnerships are maintained with entire communities, the primary stakeholders are the more vulnerable, including the poor and women. Other primary stakeholders include workers, unemployed youth, landless farmers and nomads, religious and ethnic minorities.                                                                                  

Engagement with the public sector              

Close links are maintained with local, provincial and national governments. Public-private partnerships are promoted for demonstrating and scaling up best practices, particularly in provision of social and infrastructure facilities.       

Policy advocacy                                                

Reform is advocated to make policies, institutions and programmes pro-poor. Efforts are made to ensure that perspectives and experiences of local communities, particularly the poor, are able to inform policy debate and advocacy, and in turn local communities are given access to information on policies and institutional issues.                                                                   

Mainstreaming gender justice                       

Gender is a cross-cutting theme. All program and organizational aspects have a gender perspective. Where needed, affirmative action is also taken.

Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation practices the following set of values at individual, organizational, and programmatic levels: