ISLAMABAD, August 14, 2026: Maroof International Hospital (MIH) observed Pakistan’s Independence Day with the participation of H.E. Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, and his spouse, Madam Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, along with the hospital’s leadership, management and staff.
The presence of the Philippine Ambassador underlined the cordial ties and goodwill between Pakistan and the Philippines.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez congratulated the people of Pakistan and appreciated Maroof International Hospital for its services to the community. He said Independence Day was not merely an occasion for celebration but also a reminder of the responsibility each citizen owed to the country.
“National Day is not only about celebrating; it is a reminder of our duty to our country. A nation is not built in one day; it is built every day through the contributions of its people. Pakistan Zindabad!” he said.
Ch. Naseer Ahmad, Chairman of Maroof International Hospital, welcomed the Ambassador and his delegation, stating that their participation was a meaningful gesture of friendship between the two countries.
He said nation-building was a collective responsibility and institutions could play their role through service, professionalism, integrity and commitment to the community. He added that healthcare institutions served the country every day by looking after patients and contributing to the wellbeing of society.
Mr Haroon Naseer, Chief Executive Officer of Maroof International Hospital, spoke about the value of teamwork and collective service.
“Today, we have come together as one team to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence. We want to carry this spirit of teamwork into our daily lives, working together and serving our country through everything we do,” he said.
He also reaffirmed MIH’s commitment to quality healthcare, professional excellence and patient-centred service.
Earlier, the programme began with a visit to Silver Oaks, where the Ambassador and his delegation toured the Early Intervention Therapy Unit (EITU). They were briefed on specialised services for children requiring early intervention, therapy and rehabilitation.
The delegation later visited Maroof International Hospital, where Mrs Musarrat Naseer presented a bouquet to Madam Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez. During a meeting with the hospital’s senior management, the delegation was briefed on MIH’s healthcare infrastructure, specialised services and patient-care initiatives.
The Ambassador and his delegation also visited major hospital facilities, including the Blood Bank, Laboratory, Rehabilitation Department, Operation Theatres, ICU, CCU, Cath Labs, Research, Dental, Pharmacy, Radiology, Labour Room, Emergency Room, NICU and OPD.
The Independence Day ceremony opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and the Philippines, reflecting the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
An inter-departmental decoration competition was also held as part of the celebrations. Hospital departments decorated their areas with Pakistan’s national colours and symbols. EITU and Radiology secured the first position, Operation Rooms and Administrative Department stood second, while the Inpatient Department and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department secured third position. Cash prizes and appreciation certificates were awarded to the winning teams.
An Appreciation Shield was presented to H.E. Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez by Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed, Mr Haroon Naseer and Dr Mir Abdul Waheed in recognition of his participation in the celebrations and his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Philippines relations.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and group photographs, bringing together the visiting diplomatic delegation and the MIH community to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
