Houston — It was a night of compassion, glamour, and purpose as the Friends of Indus Hospital Houston Chapter hosted a breathtaking fundraising gala at the Omni Hotel Houston, bringing together the city’s vibrant Pakistani-American community, philanthropists, and celebrities — all united by one mission: to heal lives through Indus Hospital, the only hospital in the world where no patient ever pays a single penny.
The evening opened on a spiritual note with a soulful recitation from the Holy Quran by Hamza Shah, followed by eloquent compering by Nabeel Ishaq and Rehan Ahmed, who kept the audience engaged with warmth and wit. A group of young children delighted the guests with a colorful performance showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage — a heartwarming reminder of the nation’s vibrancy and hope for the future.
In his passionate inaugural address, Dr. Fayyaz emphasized Indus Hospital’s vision of providing world-class, completely free healthcare to every citizen in need. He was followed by Dr. Muhammad Hanif, President of Indus Hospital, and Dr. Shahid, who shared inspiring stories of patients whose lives have been transformed by the hospital’s services. Their words moved many in the audience to tears — and to action.
Adding a heartfelt touch, Dr. Shagufta Naqvi spoke about the Dhanani Group’s enduring partnership with Indus Hospital, while Ali Dhanani reaffirmed their deep commitment to the cause, vowing continued support.
Then came a wave of excitement as film and TV legend Noman Ijaz took the stage. With his trademark charm, he spoke about the power of compassion and community, urging everyone to “give from the heart.” His words resonated deeply with the audience.
A roar of applause filled the ballroom as film star Mehwish Hayat, accompanied by internationally renowned event organizer Rehan Siddiqui, took the stage. With elegance and emotion, she praised Indus Hospital’s mission — and announced a personal donation of $5,000, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.
The audience was captivated by a short documentary presented by Pervez Ahmed, which vividly showcased the hospital’s lifesaving work. When the call for donations began, the room came alive with generosity. Though the target was $1.2 million — enough to fund ten days of hospital operations — the spirit of giving soared beyond expectations.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Faud Coachinwala, a passionate supporter of Indus Hospital, and the overwhelming response from the crowd, a record-breaking $2.1 million was raised that night. Faud Coachinwala and Ali Dhanani each pledged to cover three full days of hospital expenses, while Dr. Shahid Hussain announced a remarkable donation of $60,000, drawing thunderous applause.
To add laughter and joy to the evening, comedian and actor Ahmed Ali Butt lit up the stage with his signature humor and interactive performance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity. The evening culminated in a sumptuous dinner by Tempura Restaurant, which won hearts with its exquisite flavors.
As the night drew to a close, Pakistan’s Consul General in Houston, Aftab Choudhery, graced the event as chief guest, expressing admiration for the community’s extraordinary generosity. He lauded Dr. Muhammad Hanif, Faud Coachinwala, and Dr. Shahid Hussain for their relentless dedication, calling the event “a shining example of what happens when compassion meets commitment.”
In a single evening, Houston didn’t just raise funds — it raised hope. The success of this gala reaffirmed a beautiful truth: when hearts unite for humanity, miracles happen.
