It has been a tradition at Aga Khan University (AKU) to invite its Pakistani donors every year to a Donors' Dialogue. The main purpose of this forum is to inform the University's supporters and well wishers about the progress, new developments and future plans of the Institution as well as to provide opportunities to the donors for interacting and exchanging views with the University's leadership.

Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President AKU, speaking on the occasion.

The programme this year was held on 3 April 2005 at the AKU Sports & Rehabilitation Centre and was attended by a large number of donors primarily from Karachi besides members of the AKU Board of Trustees, President Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, members of the AKU Resource Development Committee for Pakistan, and AKU senior staff and faculty.

Nazim Rajani, National Convener of AKU Resource Development Committee for Pakistan, presenting welcome address.

The donors were welcomed by Mr. Nazim Rajani who is the newly appointed National Convenor of the AKU Resource Development Committee for Pakistan. In his welcome address, Mr. Rajani thanked the donors for participating in large numbers and briefed them about the objectives and role of AKU Resource Development Committee. The highlight of the programme included screening of an abridged video of the foundation-stone laying ceremony of the Oncology Services Building performed in December 2003 by the Chancellor, His Highness The Aga Khan.

Munnawar Hamid, Member of AKU Board of Trustees and Chairman of AKU Resource Development Committee – Corporate, addressing the guests.

Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President AKU, addressing the gathering, gave a detailed report on major developments on AKU's ten teaching sites located in seven countries. He also briefed the audience about significant expansion and rapid growth of AKU working as a national institution but with an international presence. Kassim-Lakha acknowledged the significant contribution of AKU donors enabling the University to grow from strength to strength. He hoped the donors, both from Ismaili community as well as from mainstream communities, would continue their support to the University and its endeavours worldwide. He concluded his address by introducing the newly appointed National Convener and Members of AKU Resource Development Committee for Pakistan as well as conveying his appreciation to the outgoing Committee Members.

Karim Nurmohmed, Project Director, Aga Khan University Faculty of Arts & Sciences (AKU-FAS) made a presentation on AKU-FAS which was highly appreciated by the audience. Munnawar Hamid, member of the AKU Board of Trustees and Chairman of AKU Resource Development Committee (Corporate) also spoke on the occasion, updating the donors on the activities of the mainstream fundraising. He conveyed his deep appreciation to the Ismaili donors for their magnanimous philanthropy.

Health care professionals from Family Medicine conducting some tests for the guests.

On this occasion, the Family Medicine Department had set up counters at the venue of the Donor's Day for free testing of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, etc. This facility initially introduced in 2004 as a regular feature in these dialogues, is very well received and many guests enthusiastically take part in these health care activities.

To end it all, a scrumptious lunch was served at the pool side, in a very pleasant environment. A good day, enjoyed by all present.  

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