Islamabad 17 October 2025
Together — through awareness, empathy, and coordinated action — we can turn the tide against breast cancer and the stigma surrounding mental health
— Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Mr. Gilani
Islamabad – October 2025 — In a powerful demonstration of unity and purpose, Maroof International Hospital and Marriott Hotel Islamabad co-hosted the Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar 2025, bringing together stakeholders from all walks of life — including foreign dignitaries, women parliamentarians, medical professionals, journalists, lady health workers, girl guides, students, and survivors.
The event was held at the Crystal Ballroom, Marriott Hotel Islamabad, and featured Chairman Senate Mr. Gilani as Chief Guest, who delivered a moving keynote calling for nationwide awareness and compassion. He applauded Maroof and Marriott Islamabad for their leadership in public health advocacy and emphasized the need to eliminate both stigma and inaccessibility surrounding women’s health.
In a powerful show of commitment to women’s health, Ch. Naseer Ahmad, Chairman of Maroof International Hospital, gave a stirring message of urgency and unity.
Breast cancer is not just a medical issue — it’s a societal challenge, he declared. We must end the silence, break the stigma, and ensure that no woman in Pakistan dies because she couldn’t access care in time.
CEO Haroon Naseer, in his remarks, reinforced the importance of prevention and access. Over 40,000 women lose their lives to breast cancer in Pakistan each year — most due to late diagnosis. That is a statistic we cannot accept. Awareness must be matched with access, he stated.
r. Hassan Khan, Hotel manager at Islamabad Marriott Hotel, reaffirmed the hotel’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, noting that initiatives like these reflect their long-standing support for women’s health and community wellbeing.
Dr. Mir Waheed, Head of Emergency at Maroof International Hospital stated: One in nine women in Pakistan will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection is critical — and entirely possible when women are empowered with the right knowledge.
Medical experts shared invaluable insights throughout the event. Dr. Saira Mahmood highlighted awareness as the first step in prevention, Dr. Yassir Rehman emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis in treatment success, and Dr. Ayesha Amin stressed the life-saving potential of regular mammograms.
One of the most inspiring moments came from Aliya Agha, breast cancer survivor and CEO of Margalla Tribune, whose emotional story moved the audience.If my journey encourages even one woman to seek early screening, then I’ve done something worthwhile, she said, drawing a standing ovation. The Chairman Senate encouraged the breast cancer survivor Aliya Agha and proposed that she should be declared good will ambassador for the pink ribbon and breast cancer awareness.
To support early screening efforts, Maroof International Hospital offered a free medical and dental camp, providing on-site breast exams, dental consultations, oral screenings, and educational material. Attendees also received 50% off mammogram vouchers, redeemable from October 1 to December 31, 2025.
