Maroof International Hospital and Islamabad Marriott Hotel Unite for Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar 2025
ISLAMABAD: In a powerful display of unity and commitment to women’s health, Maroof International Hospital, in collaboration with the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, organized the Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar 2025 at the Marriott’s Crystal Ballroom. The event brought together a diverse and influential audience — including foreign dignitaries, women parliamentarians, doctors, nurses, journalists, students, girl guides, and cancer survivors — to raise awareness about a disease that affects one in nine women in Pakistan.
Chairman Senate, Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani, presided as Chief Guest, delivering an impassioned keynote address that called for compassion, empowerment, and equitable access to healthcare.
“This initiative is not just about awareness — it’s about compassion, empowerment, and access. We must prioritize women’s health at every level of society,” he emphasized.
Ch. Naseer Ahmad, Chairman of Maroof International Hospital, urged immediate collective action:
“We must not allow any woman to suffer in silence. Breast cancer is treatable when caught early. Our responsibility is to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and ensure access to care for every woman — regardless of background or income.”
Haroon Naseer, CEO of Maroof International Hospital, echoed this urgency:
“Over 40,000 women die each year from breast cancer in Pakistan. That’s a number we must change — not through fear, but through knowledge, access, and early intervention.”
Representing the hospitality sector, Mr. Hassan Khan, Hotel Manager of Islamabad Marriott Hotel, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to community wellbeing:
“We are proud to be part of this important cause. For us, corporate social responsibility is more than a policy — it’s a promise to support the communities we serve.”
The seminar featured expert talks by Dr. Mir Waheed (Head of Emergency, Maroof Hospital) on the importance of early detection, Dr. Saira Mahmood on awareness and prevention, Dr. Yassir Rehman on survival outcomes through timely diagnosis, and Dr. Ayesha Amin on the lifesaving role of regular mammograms.
A deeply emotional highlight of the event came from Aliya Agha, breast cancer survivor and CEO of Margalla Tribune, whose inspiring testimony drew a standing ovation.
“If my story convinces even one woman to get screened, then I’ve made a difference,” she said.
To translate awareness into action, Maroof International Hospital organized a free on-site medical and dental camp, providing:
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Breast examinations
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Dental consultations
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Oral screenings
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Educational material on early detection
Additionally, attendees received 50% discount vouchers for mammograms, valid from October 1 to December 31, 2025, to encourage timely screenings and accessibility.
The event concluded with a strong message of hope, solidarity, and empowerment, reaffirming that through education, early detection, and community engagement, the fight against breast cancer can be won.
