In a quiet corner of Punjab, in the town of Haveli Lakha, where access to quality healthcare is non-existent, a remarkable story of compassion and generosity has unfolded.
Next week the doors of a modern eye hospital will open—not merely as a beautiful building but also a facility to bring light in the lives of the underserved people. This Hospital has unique features; it will offer all types of eye treatments and essential life-saving medical services absolutely free of cost.
This journey began thousands of miles away, in St. Louis, with a doctor whose heart remained deeply connected to the needs of underprivileged communities. Inspite of a successful life abroad, Dr. Ishaque Chishti, an ophthalmologist – a retina specialist, he carried with him a quiet but persistent resolve: to give back in a way that would create lasting change.
What started as an idea soon became a mission. With extraordinary generosity, he donated two acres of land and contributed $200,000 to lay the foundation of an Eye Hospital at Haveli Lakha, forming a part of Al-Shifa Trust which takes pride to Eliminate Blindness in Pakistan. With passion and determination, Dr Ishaque Chishti and his wife Razia in addition to his donation, mobilized support, bringing together like-minded individuals to organize fundraising efforts in St. Louis.
Through these collective efforts, the remaining amount is being collected. His vision has been converted into reality with the untiring efforts of the dedicated staff of Al Shifa Trust. This hospital is more than a healthcare facility. It represents access where there was none, hope where there was uncertainty, and dignity for countless patients who will now receive quality eye care close to home free of cost. For many in this region, it will mean the difference between darkness and sight, dependency and independence. For Al-Shifa Trust the challenge was not only to construct a modern Hospital but also to run it in the most efficient manner.
Behind this achievement lies not just philanthropy, but a deep sense of purpose. It is a reminder that true impact does not depend on proximity, but on commitment. That one individual, driven by compassion, can mobilize communities across continents to serve those most in need.
As patients begin to walk through its doors, each restored vision will carry forward the spirit in which this hospital was built—a spirit of selfless giving and unwavering belief in humanity.
This is not just the story of a hospital. It is the story of a dream that traveled across oceans—and found its home in Haveli Lakha.
President, Al-Shifa Trust.
