Amazing visits of Ormara and Gwadar
During the last week nation celebrated Eidul Azha followed by Independence Day celebrations with zeal and zest. Federal Government had announced Eid holidays from 21st to 23rd August which were confusing the nation as 25th August (Saturday) and 26th August (Sunday) were again weekly holidays ahead with a working Friday, while Sindh Government had smartly announced Eid holidays from 22nd August to 26th August.
During the holidays, I visited Ormara and Gwadar, Balochistan along with family with the courtesy of Pakistan Navy. Lieutenant Hina coordinated and facilitated our visit for Jinnah Naval Base Ormara including one-night stay, where we enjoyed a lot with boat riding and RDS Mianwali at Jinnah Naval Base (JNB) which have amazing beauty. Next night we stayed at Gwadar and witnessed development of Gwadar Port under the CPEC at our own. We also witnessed poverty of Balochi nation and also enjoyed courtesy and love of Balochis with us. Detailed report of this Balochistan visit will be published in following day in this newspaper in the SPECIAL REPORT section.
Eid with residents of Aaghosh Home
Trustees and office-bearers of Aaghosh Trust on the initiative of its President Shagufta Saba celebrated Eidul Azha with the residents of Aaghosh home North Nazimabad with our shelterless mothers and sisters during the reported week.
More than 80 percent women at the Aaghosh home are on the bed and getting proper treatment provided by Aaghosh Trust, maximum aged woman is 109 year old while various young women at Aaghosh are special persons and are getting proper treatment.
Shehla Ahmed, Vice President Aaghosh Trust on this occasion highlighted importance of Eidul Azha. Shagusfta Saba also arranged BBQ dinner in honour of the residents of Aaghosh. Trustees and residents all enjoyed this dinner. Shagufta thanked all Trustees who attended and supported this gesture of the Trust to celebrate Eid with the residents of Aaghosh.
POHTM celebrates Independence Day
Bilal Masood, an eminent personality who has represented Pakistan in 20 countries, articulately hosted recently held event, organized by Professional Institute of Hotel & Tourism Management (POHTM) to celebrate Independence Day. Bilal also recited his popular national song which enthralled the august gathering and refreshed their patriotic spirits in a recently held event.
Mansoor Iqbal Siddiqui, Director POHTM in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of freedom and why Pakistanis need to rejoice the fruits of it.
Guests of Honor of the ceremony included Iqbal Ahmed Siddiqui (Author of Biography on Quaid-i-Azam), Abdur Rahim Shaikh (D.G NAVTTC Karachi), Athar Bhutto (Embassy Inn Hotel Consultant), Nadeem Shaikh Advocate (President of Justice Help Line). Notable faculty present there were Shahid Akbery (POHTM Instructor of Food Costing) and Imran Asif (POHTM Instructor of Hospitality Management).
Students carried Pakistani flags in their hands and excitedly participated in the speech and quiz competitions. They also performed on patriotic songs that awakened feelings to work for better Pakistan. The highlight of the event was the cake-cutting ceremony in which all the esteemed guests, teachers and students participated with patriotic sentiments and prayers for the prosperity of Pakistan.
NBP Aitemaad collaborates with AMTF
NBP Aitemaad Islamic Banking Group, collaborated with AMTF (Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation) in its fight against Thalassemia. In this regard, an awareness session was organized at NBP Aitemaad Head Office where participants were briefed about the genetic disorder and the efforts that need to be undertaken in order to eradicate the disease from the country.
The session was followed by Blood Donation and Thalassemia screening drive at NBP Aitemaad, Head Office, where the Bank’s employees donated blood for children suffering from Thalassemia. This initiative is a part of the NBP Aitemaad’s greater focus to provide better health opportunities to masses. Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that leads to the decreased production and increased destruction of red blood cells. As it is inherited, the disease afflicts a patient since childhood and regular blood transfusions are required. According to estimates, every year there are around 7000 new cases registered in the country. AMTF has been actively making efforts to combat the disease in the country since 2003 and patients are given free of cost treatment at their facility situated in Karachi.
Regarding the collaboration with NBP Aitemaad, AMTF Executive Director, Ateeq-Ur-Rehman said: “We appreciate NBP Aitemaad’s efforts in highlighting the burden of Thalassemia in Pakistan and thank the employees for taking part in the blood donation drive for the patients enthusiastically. With increased efforts, we can help the afflicted children deal with the disease and prevent new cases.” He said we, at AMTF are facilitating blood donations campaigns to raise awareness of blood shortage and importance of donating blood.