Pink Ribbon Pakistan, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission’s National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), held the Pink Ribbon HEC Youth Awards at HEC headquarters to honor the efforts of colleges and universities in spreading breast cancer awareness to 2.5 million young people nationwide. The ceremony celebrated the winners of the 2023 and 2024 Youth Awareness Programs, recognizing the dedication of educational institutions, students, and faculty in combating breast cancer stigma and encouraging early detection.
A total of 47 awards were distributed to various institutions for their exemplary contributions over the past two years. The event was attended by key figures including Dr. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director of NAHE, and Mr. Omer Aftab, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, alongside other dignitaries, students, and academic staff.
Pink Ribbon Pakistan annually observes October as “Pinktober,” aligning with international Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, over 200 colleges and universities across Pakistan organize seminars, walks, art competitions, and distribute informational materials to promote awareness. Volunteers also raise funds in support of Pakistan’s first dedicated Breast Cancer Trust Hospital, providing free diagnostic support to underprivileged families.
Among the 2023 award winners, Beaconhouse College Programme PECHS Campus Karachi and Women University Multan took first place, while Government College for Women Jhelum and Bahria University Islamabad Campus secured second. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana and OPF College for Girls Islamabad received third place. Other institutions were recognized for outstanding events, volunteer dedication, effective social media campaigns, and emerging regional initiatives.
For 2024, Government Graduate College for Women Lahore Cantt and Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design won top honors. Fazaia Medical College Islamabad and University of South Asia took second positions, followed by Government Graduate College for Women Gulberg and University of Education Township Campus in third. Additional awards acknowledged innovative initiatives, support from leadership, and ongoing efforts in new and emerging regions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Noor Amna Malik described the Youth Awards as a breakthrough in addressing a critical health issue facing millions of women and their families. She emphasized the growing collaboration between HEC and Pink Ribbon, which now includes 180 universities and aims to make breast cancer awareness an integral part of university agendas and scholar training programs.
Omer Aftab, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, highlighted the importance of the long-standing partnership with HEC, which began in 2012, and the significant impact of the education campaigns, reaching millions over 22 years. He stressed that breast cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in women in Pakistan, with annual cases continuing to rise.
Institutional representatives shared their experiences in driving awareness initiatives. Ms. Samina Rao advocated for breaking social stigma to promote early diagnosis, while Dr. Zile Huma drew attention to the high incidence and mortality rates in Pakistan, urging greater focus on lifestyle risk factors. Prof. Dr. Atta Ullah Shah noted that breast cancer makes up a significant portion of reported cancers in Gilgit-Baltistan and detailed his university’s efforts in raising awareness.
The Pink Ribbon HEC Youth Awards stand as a milestone in mobilizing Pakistan’s youth for grassroots breast cancer awareness, demonstrating the impact of academic and civil society collaboration in creating meaningful social change.
