Rotary Club Karachi Intracity Pays Tribute to Dr. Ruth Pfau

By: Aziz Khatri

KARACHI: Rotary Club Karachi Intercity organized a function at Quaid-e-Azam House Museum to mark the 96th birthday of Dr. Ruth Pfau, the legendary German-born physician who dedicated her life to fighting leprosy and serving humanity in Pakistan.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Tariq Mustafa, Advisor to the Governor of Sindh, who served as the Chief Guest; Mr. Shakeel Kaimkhani, District Governor Rotary; Syed Nasim Shah, President of Rotary Club Karachi Intracity; Mervyn Lobo, CEO of the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC); Commodore (R) Sadeed A. Malik; Madam Irum Fawad; Jamal Akbar; Dr. Xaigam Zaman; and Naat Khawans Afaq Bashir Qadri and Hamza Naz.

Syed Nasim Shah, the host and President of Rotary Intracity, said, “Dr. Pfau, often referred to as the ‘Mother Teresa of Pakistan,’ dedicated her life to serving leprosy patients and humanitarian causes. Her selfless work brought dignity and hope to countless individuals.”

Mervyn Lobo, CEO of MALC, shared, “I had the honor of working closely with Dr. Pfau. She worked tirelessly, visiting patients across cities, villages, deserts, and mountains. Her commitment to leprosy eradication and humanitarian service was unmatched, inspiring everyone around her to serve with the same dedication.”

District Governor Shakeel Kaimkhani remarked, “Her tireless dedication and compassion transformed thousands of lives. Dr. Pfau’s mission continues to inspire all Rotarians and citizens of Pakistan. Her life exemplifies the Rotary motto: ‘Service Above Self.’”

Philanthropists Mahfouz Nabi Khan, Dr. Zaigham Zaman, Club Secretary Muhammad Waseem, and other dignitaries also spoke on the occasion.

Advisor to Governor Sindh, Tariq Mustafa, added, “Dr. Pfau’s courage, vision, and lifelong commitment to humanity set a shining example for both Pakistan and the world. Her legacy will continue to guide us in our social and health service projects.”

The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony in Dr. Pfau’s honor, where Rotarians, dignitaries, and guests gathered to pay tribute to her remarkable legacy in healthcare and human service. The Dr. Ruth Pfau Memorial Awards were also presented during the ceremony.