Sahir Baloch
Karachi: On the International Day of Older Persons, UAE Consul General in Karachi Bakheet Ateeq Al Romaithi visited Aaghosh Old Home, a charitable institution that has provided care to elderly, destitute and differently-abled women for over 25 years.
During the visit, Al Romaithi met with residents, presented gifts and flowers, and assured them of his personal support. He praised Aaghosh as “a beacon of hope for shelterless and marginalized women,” but stressed the urgent need for a permanent facility, noting that the institution still operates from a rented building. He appealed for at least 2,000 square yards of dedicated space to ensure a safe and sustainable environment.
The consul general pledged to mobilize support from philanthropists, banks, and the UAE–Pakistan business community in Sindh and Balochistan to help Aaghosh expand. He also announced plans to back a new initiative — an orphanage for mentally and physically challenged orphan girls, a project envisioned by Aaghosh Trust.
“The mothers and sisters of Aaghosh are now part of my extended family, and I will remain in touch with them permanently,” Al Romaithi said, deputing his team to stay in regular contact with the Trust.
Shagufta Saba, founder and president of Aaghosh Trust, expressed gratitude for the support, recalling her own experience of caring for mentally challenged siblings as the inspiration behind the project. She said Karachi still lacks specialized facilities for such children and voiced hope that the UAE Consulate’s backing would help realize this vision.
Trustees and advisers of Aaghosh also thanked the consul general for his visit, describing it as a morale boost for both residents and management. Elderly residents, many without family support, offered prayers for Al Romaithi’s health and long life.
The visit, coinciding with the UN-designated day, highlighted the importance of elderly care and opened new avenues of international cooperation for Aaghosh Trust’s mission of dignity, shelter, and compassion.
