Daily Times

KARACHI: “In the desert of my solitude, my love, quiver the shadows of your voice, the mirage of your lips.” Faiz Ahmed Faiz, the influential left-wing intellectual, revolutionary poet, and one of the most regarded poets of Urdu, beautifully describes loneliness, the longing for companionship that lingers on the border of depression, while solitude has a positive association. Karwan-e-Hayat, Institute of Mental Health Care in collaboration with Napa, National Academy of Performing Arts, enthralled a packed audience on Saturday, February 8th, at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. The work of Faiz is a true depiction of mental health and how the aliment engraves its roots within an individual.

Karwan-e-Hayat provided psychiatric treatment to more than 77,000 patients during 2019-2020, which included medical consultation, hospitalization, medicines, and free meals. In order to cater to the operational costs and the rising number of patients suffering from mental illness in Pakistan, Karwan-e-Hayat has expanded its scope and services to a larger segment of society. Faiz Ki Mohabbat Mien was the annual fundraiser through which Karwan-e-Hayat honors its supports and well-wishers. Since 1983, KeH relies on the altruistic and benevolent support and funding of all its philanthropic and cooperate supporters, who believe that metal illness is the right of every individual and should be mainstreamed in the healthcare system.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Zaheeruddin Babar, CEO, Karwan-e-Hayat shared the vision of
Karwan and how it has been committed to the cause of treating mental illness in Pakistan. Since its inception, KeH has remained steadfast and dedicated to provide free treatment and rehabilitation services to the people living in the most underserved and underprivileged regions. He further explained that unlike other non-communicable diseases, mental illness affects people in the prime years of their lives. KeH provides free treatment and rehabilitation services to people suffering from mental illness with modern therapy, pharmacology, and new community approaches, which has made treatment of mental illness more holistic and effective. This has paved way for the patient to return to a functional life.

To encourage Karwan’s efforts in the area of mental health, several celebrities, multinational corporates, students, healthcare professionals, and renowned personalities joined in the celebrations to showcase their admiration for Faiz Ahmed Faiz.