By Uzma Ehtasham
KARACHI: On the International Day of Older Persons, the consul general of the United Arab Emirates in Karachi, H.E. Bakheet Ateeq Al Romaithi, paid a compassionate visit to Aaghosh Old Home, a charitable institution that for 25 years has provided shelter, dignity and care to elderly, destitute and differently-abled women.
His visit lifted the spirits of residents and offered fresh hope for the expansion of Aaghosh’s humanitarian mission. During the visit, Al Romaithi met elderly women living at Aaghosh, presenting them with gifts and flowers, listening to their concerns and offering words of encouragement. His warmth and empathy brought visible joy to the residents, many of whom have no family support and rely entirely on Aaghosh Trust.
The Consul General described Aaghosh Old Home as “a beacon of hope for shelterless and marginalized women”, praising the management, trustees and volunteers for their tireless service, carried out “with zeal, sincerity and humanity”. But he also pointed to a major challenge: despite decades of service, Aaghosh still operates in a rented facility. He underlined the urgent need for at least 2,000 square yards of permanent accommodation to ensure safety and sustainability for its residents.
Ateeq Al Romaithi assured that the UAE consulate would mobilize philanthropists, corporate entities, banks and the UAE–Pakistan business community in Sindh and Balochistan to help Aaghosh meet this challenge. He pledged to remain personally involved in the wellbeing of the residents, deputing his secretary, Mariam Iqbal, and team member Fahd to stay in close contact with the Trust and provide regular updates.
“The mothers and sisters of Aaghosh are now part of my extended family, and I will remain in touch with them permanently,” Al Romaithi said. He also announced that the consulate and its well-wishers would support the establishment of a dedicated orphanage for mentally and physically challenged orphan girls, a project envisioned by Aaghosh Trust. He described the initiative as vital to fulfilling Aaghosh’s mission of dignity and a secure future for vulnerable children often neglected by society.
“I will appeal to the business community of Pakistan and my friends to come forward and join hands with Aaghosh Trust in this noble cause,” the Consul General added. The founder and president of Aaghosh Trust, Shagufta Saba, expressed gratitude for the consul general’s encouragement. She recalled how her own siblings were mentally challenged, an experience that inspired her to create a safe home for such children.
“Karachi, despite being Pakistan’s largest city, still lacks specialized facilities for these children. With the support of the UAE consulate, I hope to realise this dream,” she said. She also outlined the daily operations of Aaghosh, where elderly residents require constant medical care, medicine and adult pampers.
Meals are prepared three times a day according to dietary needs, while spiritual and emotional wellbeing is fostered through prayers, Quran recitation and recreational activities. “Our residents are not just beneficiaries – they are mothers and sisters, and we serve them with love and respect,” she said.
Trustee Shakil Baig thanked Al Romaithi for taking time from his diplomatic schedule to personally meet residents, calling it a morale-boosting moment for both the women and the management. The residents, deeply moved by the visit, prayed for his health, prosperity and long life.
Trustee Manzar Naqvi and media adviser Mubasher Mir were also present, briefing the consul general on the institution’s pressing needs and future plans. Al Romaithi’s visit was more than ceremonial. It symbolized international goodwill and human compassion. On this International Day of Older Persons, his presence reinforced the importance of caring for the elderly while opening new doors of support for Aaghosh Trust’s vision.
As the Trust looks ahead to building a permanent shelter for elderly women and an orphanage for disabled children, his commitment stands as a beacon of hope – a reminder that with unity and compassion, dignity and care can be turned into reality.
