I would like to tell you the story of Gul Bano, a 32-year-old lady who is a resident of Kati Pahari, North Nazimabad, Karachi.
Her life has been a constant struggle for survival. Married at the age of 15, Gul Bano thought her marriage would be the start of a better life for her. Unfortunately, fate had something else in store for her. As time went on, Gul Bano learnt that her husband was a drug addict who could not take care of her and her children. Seeing no financial support around her, Gul Bano taught herself stitching and embroidery, taking on the poorly paid but home-based work of gluing tiny sequins onto dresses. She would stay up many nights, hunched over fancy dresses she could never afford, forcing herself to concentrate on the next bead or knot that would keep hunger at bay.
Her strenuous work and long hours led to an abdominal hernia. But she did not have the means to get treatment. She suffered the agonizing pain in silence for three long years. Her crying in the night finally reached the Heavenly doors! The next day, a neighbor took her to the Aga Khan University where an expert team of health professionals conducted the required surgery successfully and Gul Bano was cured. Her expenses were borne by the Patients' Behbud Society for AKUH.
Today, Gul Bano is back at her work, caring for her children. She now prays for the health and happiness of all those who made this possible for her.
Gul Bano is not the first person to experience pain, suffering, and worry caused by financial circumstances. There are many other families in dire need of compassionate care and high-quality treatment. Aga Khan University Hospital provides world class healthcare to every patient without any discrimination.
PBS was established to meet the needs of patients at AKUH who lack financial resources required for their medical treatments. The society receives financial support through Zakat, Sadaqat, and other donations and grants. All funds from these sources are disbursed to mustahiq patients in accordance with Shariah principles and guidelines.
I bow my head before the Almighty Allah for choosing and providing me an opportunity to serve countless most vulnerable patients of the country through the platform of PBS. I believe PBS has three very distinct characteristics which make it a worthy consideration for you to donate to:
1. Zakat/donations collected from the donors are 100% utilized on deserving underprivileged patients.
2, Immaculate, transparent, confidential, and efficient process to disburse zakat/welfare funds.
3. Provides nationwide quality healthcare to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, colour, and religion.
Please join us in our journey of spreading smiles across many distraught faces. Thank you.
Abdul Qadir Memon
President