Govt withdraws NOC for fund-raising event for Shaukat Khanum

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has revoked the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, prohibiting them from hosting a fundraising event at a local hotel in Islamabad.

The event, scheduled for Friday, aimed to gather support for the construction of a cancer facility in Karachi.

Another low!

NOC for fundraiser of Shaukat Khanum Hospital was cancelled by Islamabad administration just a day before the event. This was to raise funds for the treatment of cancer patients. pic.twitter.com/hy8LEJRFFX

— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) December 29, 2023

The NOC, initially issued by the district administration, was withdrawn without providing any reasons for the sudden decision.

The fundraising gala dinner, featuring a musical concert, was intended to generate funds for the development of the largest cancer treatment facility in the country.

Despite efforts by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Faisal Sultan and other officials to secure permission, their attempts proved unsuccessful.

The Shaukat Khanum Hospital official emphasized that the fundraising initiative was non-political and solely aimed at charitable purposes.

Despite efforts to seek clarity on the reasons behind the NOC cancellation, the hospital administration formally announced the cancellation of the fundraising gala dinner late on Thursday.

They cited “unavoidable reasons” for the cancellation and assured that a new date for the event would be announced soon.

Social Media users started a trend on X (former Twitter) “Shaukat Khanum” and started urging people to donate online.

“I’ve just made a donation to SKMH. I request all Pakistanis to do the same, even if it’s just a few Rupees. Let’s raise more money than the fundraising event canceled or refused for Shaukat Khanum. Save this hospital. Kindly share the screenshots.”

I’ve just made a donation to SKMH. I request all Pakistanis to do the same, even if it’s just a few Rupees. Let’s raise more money than the fundraising event canceled or refused for Shaukat Khanum. Save this hospital. Kindly share the screenshots. pic.twitter.com/qw71C26NHm

— Kashif Javed (@mkjaved80) December 29, 2023

“#SMS 7770
Strong reaction to the cancellation of the permission of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi,s Fundraising event by the caretaker government. Now social media users launched a compaign to send SMS to 7770.”

#SMS 7770
Strong reaction to the cancellation of the permission of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi,s Fundraising event by the caretaker government. Now social media users launched a compaign to send SMS to 7770.@TeamiPians pic.twitter.com/NlOCSU8YRu

— Syed Ismail Haider (@Kingsmaker99) December 29, 2023