GIVE TO GAIN

KARACHI — In a profound demonstration of national solidarity and social responsibility, the Aurat Foundation marked its historic 40th Anniversary Celebration with a prestigious fundraising gala titled “GIVE TO GAIN,” held at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi. The ceremony, which focused on the significance of social capital and its impact on inclusive development, served as a powerful tribute to the Foundation’s four-decade legacy of advocating for a just, democratic, and gender-sensitive Pakistan. A symbolic highlight of the evening was the ceremonial cutting of the 40th Anniversary cake, led by the Chief Guest and the Foundation’s leadership, representing forty years of resilience, empowerment, and the collective success of women across the nation.

The event was presided over by Ms. Anis Haroon, President of the Aurat Foundation, while Mr. Hamza Tabani, Chairman of the Tabani Group of Companies, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr Masuma Hasan. Member BoG of the Aurat Foundation, eloquently narrated the history and legacy of the Foundation.

The proceedings were elegantly moderated by the Master of Ceremony, Ms. Muneezeh Khan, Resident Director of the Aurat Foundation, Karachi whose engaging style set a purposeful tone for the evening. Her professional conduct was highly praised by attendees for seamlessly weaving together the diverse themes of corporate responsibility and social advocacy.

Mr Naeem Mirza, CEO of the Aurat Foundation, delivered a keynote address on Social Capital that was met with a standing ovation. He was widely lauded for his visionary leadership and tireless dedication, having steered the organization through complex socio-political landscapes to ensure that the Foundation remained a beacon of hope for women’s rights. His detailed account of the organization’s journey of struggle and success provided a roadmap for the Foundation’s future welfare initiatives. Chief Guest Hamza Tabani echoed these sentiments, underscoring the corporate sector’s duty to invest in the social equity that leaders like Mirza Naeem have spent decades building.

Specific insights were further shared by a panel of distinguished guest speakers:

Ms. Asma Zeshan, Business Head at Jazz Mobilink, spoke eloquently on the role of digital inclusion, noting that providing women with technological tools and digital literacy is the fastest route to economic independence and sustainable growth in the modern age.

Dr. Akram Sultan, a leading cardiologist, highlighted the intrinsic link between women’s social status and community health, advocating for specialized medical support systems and a preventative healthcare approach that prioritizes the well-being of the female population.

Syed Zeshan Hashmi, Business Head of the WELTH Foundation, emphasized the “Whole-of-Nation” approach, asserting that sustainable social capital can only be built when corporate structures, industrial leaders, and humanitarian organizations align their strategic goals under a unified patriotic vision.

The fundraising gala attracted a vast array of prominent figures including Ms Simi Kamal, Chairperson/CEO of Hisaar Foundation. The guest list featured notable personalities such as Noman Saihgal, Former Minister for IT and Environment, Dr. Khalid Shaikh, Chairman of the Sindh Healthcare Commission, and Munawer Ali Mithani, MD of the Sindh Board of Technical Education. Other prominent attendees included Kabeer Ahmed, CEO of MultiTech Chemicals, Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan of Salman Foods, Dr. Salman Adil of Dow University, and Shaher Bano Walajahi, CEO of Alfatech, alongside legal and academic professionals including Kashif Advocate, Syed Salim Advocate, and Amber Sajid.

The event was hosted by Aurat Foundation senior leadership including Ms. Mumtaz Mughal-Director Programs, Mr. Asim Malik -Director Outreach, Mr Allauddin Khilji-Resident Director Quetta and Malka Khan-Provincial Manager, Karachi

The event successfully mobilized critical resources. Aurat Foundation’s mission to empower women continues to expand. The evening concluded as a landmark of collective action, proving that when the corporate sector, medical fraternity, and social advocates unite, they create an unshakable foundation for the future prosperity of Pakistan.