Here’s why Pakistan’s Parliament House goes Pink

For the first time in the history of Pakistan, building of National Assembly illuminated into pink lights in support of Pink Ribbon; which symbolize breast cancer awareness. This illumination is a part of national breast cancer awareness drive which starts from 1^st October to 31^st of the month. At the parliament house; the illumination will last for three days. Moreover, on October 4^th this issue will also be discussed on the floor of assembly.

The event is collaboration of parliament house administration and Pink Ribbon Pakistan; with special concerns of Speaker National Assembly Honourable Mr. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. At this occasion Speaker national assembly Mr. Ayaz Sadiq and other parliamentarian also express their concerns over this extremely dominant health issue among Pakistani women.

Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer for any Asian population in the world. It is the most frequent malignancy in women, and accounts for 38.5% of all female cancers which is 90,000 new cases every year. About half (43.7%) of all breast cancers are locally advanced accounting to 40,000 deaths per year.

As per the new statistics almost 10.2 million Pakistani women are at high risk of getting breast cancer in their life span. This alarming stats requires serious concerns of every citizen of the country.

While talking to media over the issue Chief Executive Officer Pink Ribbon, Mr. Omer Aftab said, “This is a very significant and historical moment in the fight against breast cancer in Pakistan. Today the issue was discussed on the floor of most prestigious institute of Pakistan. Involvement of such sanctified institute has provided hope to thousands of breast cancer patients in Pakistan.”  Mr. Aftab further added ”Pink Ribbon has proposed establishment of 5 major breast cancer hospitals in all provincial capitals of Pakistan, this is not just merely a proposal as with the support of public philanthropists we have already started the construction of Pakistan’s first dedicated breast cancer hospital in Lahore. If we get the support of state we can make a difference in scenario of breast cancer treatment facilities in Pakistan.”

Earlier, Mazar e Quaid in Karachi was also illuminated pink to support the cause.