Breast Cancer Movement Aur National Bank Of Pakistan

Taseer Raza, a prominent businessman in Pakistan, says that life’s vehicle runs on the fuel of hope. Pushing it forward with despair can only take you so far. Elaborating further, he adds that smiling faces are like walking flowers, and the glance that falls on them returns as a fragrant breeze.

In Pakistan, the effort to fuel people’s lives with hope is being carried out on both individual and collective levels, and it’s widespread.

Over the past few months, I have delved deep into mental health awareness, reading books and articles, attending meetings, and engaging with special individuals whose energy has invigorated me as well. During this exploration, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the National Bank of Pakistan’s role.

Currently, over 170 special individuals work at the National Bank, including senior vice presidents. In terms of work quality, these individuals perform on par with their able-bodied colleagues.

Last September, when Mirza Muhammad Asim Baig, the Executive Vice President of the National Bank, received an award for commendable work with special persons, the entire nation felt a wave of joy.

The National Bank recently won the ADB Disability Inclusion Champions Award 2024 at the 10th Trade and Supply Chain Awards, a recognition competed for by several countries.

This month, you may have come across various news stories about breast cancer awareness. In Pakistan, 90,000 new cases of breast cancer emerge each year, and nearly 40,000 women succumb to the disease annually. I recall two decades ago, a young BS student who worked at the computer institute where I was employed. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away within months. Her bright smile, the sparkle in her eyes, and her future plans still linger in my memory.

Over the past 20 years, millions of Pakistani women have lost their lives to this disease. A poet expressed this sorrow in these words:

_”O words of consolation, I am grateful to you, but_
_This grief goes beyond what mere words can console.”_

Organizations and institutions across Pakistan, such as the Pakistan Cancer Society, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Saylani Welfare, and Indus Hospital, are actively working towards cancer prevention, awareness, and treatment.

Research conducted for this column revealed that early detection of breast cancer is crucial. The American Cancer Society’s research indicates that early-stage diagnosis significantly increases the chances of recovery, making it more than three times likely. This finding underscores the urgent need for widespread awareness about this illness.

Under the visionary leadership of President Rahmat Ali Hasni, the National Bank is working to ensure equal opportunities for people of all regions, genders, and languages. The bank is cultivating a culture where every newcomer is warmly welcomed.

This mission is being advanced by Mirza Muhammad Asim Baig, Group Head of the Human Resource Management Group, along with his team, including Ms. Hufraish Shroff and Dr. Saqlain Sher. The National Bank team focuses on five major areas, with weekly educational sessions conducted through internal platforms to raise awareness about cancer. The discussions highlight the increasing prevalence of cancer and feature stories of brave Pakistani women who have defeated the disease.

Prominent actress Nadia Jamil, after a long struggle with cancer and undergoing treatment that caused her hair to fall out, is now actively working as a cancer ambassador. Senior actresses Uzma Gillani and Asma Abbas fought the disease with resilience and have fully recovered. Another veteran actress, Naila Jaffri, fought a six-year battle with cancer before passing away. Laila Wasti faced the disease shortly after marriage but is now leading a happy life after full recovery.

The next step for the National Bank team is to spread awareness about cancer in various offices and staff colleges. As discussed earlier in this column, detecting the disease at an early stage significantly increases the chances of recovery. The team aims to promote the concept of regular medical checkups as an essential part of life.

The stories of Pakistani actresses and other women who have survived the disease are shared, emphasizing the importance of family support.

The renowned author of *The Millionaire Next Door*, Thomas Stanley, comes to mind. In his book, he listed 30 traits of successful people, with the second trait being that all these individuals had the support of their families. This family bonding was a powerful source of hope, which can also be described as “hug therapy.”

On October 11, the National Bank building was illuminated in pink to show solidarity with the cause. The pink-lit building served as a beacon, much like the lighthouses of old, sending out the message that the destination is near.

This month, known as Pinktober, the team is working to make positive use of digital platforms. Through the National Bank’s official website and social media platforms, messages about cancer awareness and prevention are being beautifully conveyed.

The famous philosopher Joyce Meyer once said, “I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.”

Denis Waitley noted that “Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.”

The message of hope brings new light to cancer patients and strengthens their connection with God. In the words of Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi:

_”I have no one, Nadeem, in this vast universe_
_If God weren’t there, where would I go?”_

Lastly, the use of the color pink is being encouraged—pink clothing, dupattas, ribbons, t-shirts, shawls, nail polish, jewelry, and caps. This not only raises awareness about cancer but also provides patients with a sense of support and solidarity.

Sheikh Saadi narrated a story about a king who was advised by a wise man to surround himself with people who could support him during tough times. This story emphasizes the importance of community and support, much like how family and friends’ encouragement is vital for breast cancer patients.

Maulana Rumi once said, “The wound is the place where the light enters you.”

The National Bank team is carrying forward Rumi’s message beautifully, reinforcing the idea that the pain endured during the journey with breast cancer makes one stronger and more visionary. The spark in the eyes of this team reflects their perseverance in the pursuit of big dreams. May God continue to strengthen their resolve.

My own mother succumbed to this dreadful disease a few years ago. I humbly request prayers for her departed soul. And for the entire National Bank team, I leave these verses from Allama Iqbal:

_”O torrent of light, do not settle for a mere destination_
_Even if the company is Layla, do not accept the camel’s burden_

_Become a raging river, O stream_
_If given the shore, do not accept it.”_