ISLAMABAD, Aug 14, 2026: Maroof International Hospital (MIH) marked Pakistan’s Independence Day with the participation of H.E. Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, and his spouse, Madam Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez.
The ambassador joined MIH leadership, management and staff at the ceremony, with his participation highlighting the friendship and goodwill between Pakistan and the Philippines.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Fernandez congratulated the people of Pakistan and appreciated Maroof International Hospital for its service to the community. He said Independence Day was not only a celebration but also a reminder of the responsibility every citizen carried towards the country.
“National Day is not only about celebrating; it is a reminder of our duty to our country. A nation is not built in one day; it is built every day through the contributions of its people. Pakistan Zindabad!” he said.
Ch. Naseer Ahmad, Chairman of Maroof International Hospital, welcomed the ambassador and his delegation, saying their participation was a meaningful expression of friendship between the two countries.
He said nation-building was a shared responsibility and that institutions could contribute through service, professionalism, integrity and commitment to the community. He noted that healthcare institutions served the country every day by caring for patients and improving the wellbeing of society.
Mr Haroon Naseer, Chief Executive Officer of Maroof International Hospital, highlighted the importance of teamwork and collective service.
“Today, we have come together as one team to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence. We want to carry this spirit of teamwork into our daily lives, working together and serving our country through everything we do,” he said.
He reaffirmed MIH’s commitment to quality healthcare, professional excellence and patient-centred service.
The programme began with a visit to Silver Oaks, where the ambassador and his delegation toured the Early Intervention Therapy Unit (EITU). They were briefed on specialised services for children requiring early intervention, therapy and rehabilitation.
The delegation then visited Maroof International Hospital, where Mrs Musarrat Naseer welcomed Madam Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez with a bouquet. During a meeting with MIH senior management, the delegation was briefed on the hospital’s healthcare infrastructure, specialised services and patient-care initiatives.
The ambassador and his delegation also toured key facilities, including the Blood Bank, Laboratory, Rehabilitation Department, Operation Theatres, ICU, CCU, Cath Labs, Research, Dental, Pharmacy, Radiology, Labour Room, Emergency Room, NICU and OPD.
The Independence Day ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Pakistan and the Philippines, symbolising the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
An inter-departmental decoration competition was also held as part of the celebrations, with hospital departments decorating their areas in Pakistan’s national colours and symbols. EITU and Radiology secured first position, Operation Rooms and Administrative Department second, while the Inpatient Department and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department secured third position. The winning teams received cash prizes and appreciation certificates.
An appreciation shield was presented to H.E. Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez by Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed, Mr Haroon Naseer and Dr Mir Abdul Waheed in recognition of his participation in the celebrations and his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Philippines relations.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and group photographs, bringing together the visiting diplomatic delegation and the MIH community in a celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
