Maj Gen (Retd) Rehmat Khan
In August 2022, while working at my office, I received an unexpected visit from a doctor
who had recently arrived from the United States. A tall, amiable gentleman dressed in
Pakistani attire entered my office. Assuming he might be seeking treatment for a patient,
I inquired how I could assist him. I also informed him about our commitment to providing
free, high-quality eye care to all patients, treating them with dignity and respect.
To my surprise, the doctor, Dr. Nasir Baz, explained that he had visited our hospital in
Chakwal and had a concern. He observed that some patients were waiting outside under
a makeshift shelter. I acknowledged this challenge. The hospital’s infrastructure, originally
designed for 250 outpatients daily, had become insufficient due to the overwhelming
demand. To accommodate the influx of over 400 patients seeking treatment, we had
made temporary arrangements outside.
Dr. Baz, who originally hailed from a village in Chakwal but now resided in Fresno,
California, was impressed by the quality of care provided at the hospital. He expressed
satisfaction that the people of his hometown were receiving such high-standard treatment.
However, he emphasized the need to expand our facilities and infrastructure to meet the
growing demand.
While I explained our limited financial resources and our commitment to gradual
expansion as funds allowed, Dr. Baz surprised me further. He revealed that his actual
purpose for visiting was to make a significant donation. Even more astonishingly, he
encouraged us to begin construction without worrying about the cost. He assured me,
with a confident smile, that he would cover the entire expense, regardless of the amount.
Overwhelmed by this unexpected generosity, I could only stammer an approximate cost
of Rs. 150 million. Dr. Baz simply smiled and reiterated his trust in the Al Shifa Trust. He
clarified that he wasn’t concerned about a budget and wanted us to focus on completing
the project. He expressed his unwavering commitment to funding the expansion.
As I grappled with this pleasant shock, Dr. Baz rose to leave. He stated, “Your role is to
complete the infrastructure; my role is to provide the funds. I have complete faith in your
organization.” I wanted to inquire about the basis of his trust after such a brief meeting,
but he simply smiled and departed.
Today, thanks to Dr. Baz’s incredible generosity, we have completed the expansion,
enabling the hospital to accommodate 500 patients and providing 24/7 emergency eye
care services. Dr. Nasir Baz serves as a shining example of philanthropy, and Chakwal
can be immensely proud of this son, just as it is of its countless heroes who have served
the nation with distinction.
Did Iqbal Say for such people.
“Maqam e shauq tere quddsion key bus ka nahein”
“Unehi ka kam he yeh jin key hoslay hein ziad”
Writer is President of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital