PR
Karachi: Prominent community leader and philanthropist Haji Abdul Samad Pardesi was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony in Karachi this week in recognition of his decades-long service to healthcare, education and social welfare.
The event, held at a local hotel, brought together community members, business leaders and representatives of the Kutiyana Memon Association (KMA) and Kutiyana Memon Hospital (KMH), where Pardesi has served in key leadership roles, including Chairman of the KMH Supreme Council and former president of the association.
Organisers described the award as a tribute to his sustained commitment to public service and institution-building within the community.
The ceremony opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by speeches highlighting Pardesi’s role in expanding access to health and educational facilities for underprivileged families.
Vice Chairman Arif Dagha, along with Saleem Rumi, Usman Pardesi, Ahmed Chinoy and Asif Fancy, paid tribute to his leadership, noting that his initiatives had directly benefited thousands of people over the years.
Healthcare and education focus
Speakers said Pardesi played a central role in the establishment and development of Kutiyana Hospital, alongside efforts to set up educational institutions and scholarship programmes for higher studies.
Other welfare initiatives associated with his tenure include housing schemes, financial assistance for marriages, and support programmes aimed at low-income families.
According to organisers, his involvement in community service began formally in 1988 when he was elected vice president of the committee, marking the start of what they described as a “lifetime of voluntary service”.
Family tributes and recognition
During the ceremony, Pardesi’s brother, Haji Rafiq Pardesi, shared personal reflections on his commitment to humanitarian work, while his son, Owais Pardesi, spoke about his father’s journey and values.
The award presentation included a gold medal and a commemorative shield, acknowledging his long-standing contributions to social development.
A large number of attendees participated in the event, reflecting what organisers called the widespread respect and appreciation for his role in strengthening community institutions.
