Karachi has been named the most generous city in Pakistan for cancer patients this Ramzan after donors raised more than Rs550 million in a single fundraising event for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMH&RC).
The funds were collected during a charity iftar dinner organised by the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, marking the highest amount raised at a single iftar fundraising event this year.
Chief Executive Officer Faisal Sultan said the overwhelming response from Karachi donors reflects the city’s strong commitment to supporting cancer patients who cannot afford treatment.
“The response from Karachi was extraordinary. Donations collected in one evening exceeded Rs550 million, compared with around Rs280 million raised at a similar event last year,” Dr Sultan said.
According to hospital officials, 14 fundraising iftar events were held across Pakistan this year, raising around Rs2.7 billion, compared with Rs2 billion collected last year.
Fundraising dinners took place in several major cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan, where donors contributed generously to support cancer care services.
New Cancer Hospital Being Built in Karachi
Dr Sultan said the funds will support expanding treatment services and help complete the new Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Karachi, which is expected to become operational by the end of the year.
Once completed, the facility will become the largest cancer treatment centre in Pakistan, equipped with advanced radiotherapy machines, modern diagnostic laboratories, and specialised surgical units.
The hospital is expected to improve access to cancer care for patients in Sindh and southern Pakistan, many of whom currently travel to Lahore or Peshawar for treatment.
Cancer Cases and Treatment Support in Pakistan
Pakistan records around 180,000 new cancer cases every year, according to hospital estimates. Dr Sultan explained that cancer rates appear lower than in many developed countries mainly because Pakistan has a relatively young population, while cancer is more common among older age groups.
However, he warned that the number of patients may increase in the coming decades as life expectancy rises and lifestyle-related risk factors grow.
Donations Help Provide Free Cancer Treatment
The annual operating budget for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre hospitals is about Rs43 billion. Donations received until February 28 this year reached around Rs3.3 billion.
Last year alone, zakat contributions totalled about Rs12 billion, showing strong public trust in the hospital’s charity model.
The institution spent around Rs25 billion in 2025 on the treatment of financially disadvantaged cancer patients, allowing thousands of people to receive free or subsidised care.
Importance of Early Detection and Prevention
Dr Sultan emphasised that early detection significantly improves treatment success. He advised people to consult doctors if they experience symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, persistent cough, or lumps.
He also urged the public to adopt preventive measures, including avoiding tobacco use, maintaining healthy diets, regular exercise, and vaccination against viruses linked to certain cancers, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
