UAE Consul General’s visit brings hope to Aaghosh Residents on World Day of Older Persons

KARACHI: On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Karachi, H.E. Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, paid a compassionate visit to Aaghosh Old Home, a charitable institution that for the past 25 years has been providing shelter, dignity, and care to elderly, destitute, and differently-abled women. His visit not only uplifted the spirits of the residents but also brought renewed hope for the expansion of Aaghosh’s humanitarian mission.

During his visit, H.E. Alremeithi met each of the elderly mothers and sisters residing at Aaghosh, presenting them with gifts and flowers, listening to their concerns, and offering words of encouragement. His warmth and empathy brought visible joy to the residents, many of whom live without family support and rely entirely on Aaghosh Trust.

Speaking on the occasion, the Consul General commended the extraordinary services of Aaghosh Old Home, describing it as “a beacon of hope for shelterless and marginalized women.” He praised the management, trustees, and volunteers for their tireless efforts carried out with zeal, sincerity, and humanity. However, he also highlighted a serious challenge: despite decades of service, Aaghosh still operates in a rented facility. He emphasized the urgent need for at least 2,000 square yards of permanent accommodation to provide a safe and sustainable environment for its residents.

 H.E. Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi assured that the UAE Consulate would mobilize philanthropists, corporate entities, banks, and the UAE-Pakistan business community in Sindh and Balochistan to support Aaghosh in meeting this challenge. He also pledged to personally remain involved in the well-being of Aaghosh residents, deputing his Secretary, Ms. Mariam Iqbal, and team member Mr. Fahd to stay in close contact with the Trust and provide him with regular updates. “The mothers and sisters of Aaghosh are now part of my extended family, and I will remain in touch with them permanently,” he said.

In addition, the Consul General announced that the UAE Consulate and its well-wishers would extend support to establish a dedicated orphanage for mentally and physically challenged orphan girls, a project envisioned by Aaghosh Trust. He stressed that this initiative was vital to fulfilling Aaghosh’s mission of offering dignity and a secure future to vulnerable children who remain neglected in society. “I will also appeal to the business community of Pakistan and my friends to come forward and join hands with Aaghosh Trust in this noble cause,” he added.
Ms. Shagufta Saba, Founder and President of Aaghosh Trust, expressed her gratitude for the Consul General’s encouragement. Sharing her personal motivation, she recalled her own siblings who were mentally challenged, explaining how that experience inspired her to create a safe home for such children. “Karachi, despite being Pakistan’s largest city, still lacks specialized facilities for these children. With the support of the UAE Consulate, I hope to realize this dream,” she said.
She also elaborated on the daily operations of Aaghosh, where elderly residents require regular medical care, medicine, and adult pampers. Meals are prepared three times a day according to dietary needs, while spiritual and emotional well-being is fostered through collective prayers, Quran recitation, and recreational activities. “Our residents are not just beneficiaries – they are mothers and sisters, and we serve them with love and respect,” she emphasized.
Trustee Mr. Shakil Baig thanked H.E. Alremeithi for taking time from his demanding diplomatic schedule to personally engage with the residents, calling it a morale-boosting moment for both the women and the management. The residents themselves, deeply moved by the visit, prayed for the Consul General’s health, prosperity, and long life.
On this occasion, Media Adviser Mubasher Mir was also present and briefed the Consul General about the future plans and pressing needs of the institution.
The visit of H.E. Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi was more than ceremonial – it symbolized international goodwill and human compassion. On this International Day of Older Persons, his presence reinforced the importance of caring for the elderly while opening new doors of support for Aaghosh Trust’s vision. As the Trust moves forward with plans to build a permanent shelter for elderly women and an orphanage for disabled children, the Consul General’s commitment shines as a beacon of hope – proving that with unity and compassion, dreams of dignity and care can indeed be transformed into reality.