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ICCI Holds Breast Cancer Awareness Session; Leaders Stress Women’s Health as a National Priority
Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) organized its annual breast cancer awareness (Pink Ribbon) session, drawing praise from federal leadership for fulfilling its social responsibilities.
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Chief Guest’s Address: Minister of State for Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar, lauded the ICCI for mobilizing the business community toward social good. She emphasized that the government is fully aware of the threat posed by breast cancer, noting that early detection and timely treatment remain the most effective weapons to defeat the disease.
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Keynote Insights: Guest of Honor Lieutenant General (R) Nigar Johar Khan highlighted that Pakistan has one of the highest breast cancer incidence rates in Asia, affecting one in every nine women and claiming over a hundred lives daily. She stressed that women’s health must be treated as a national priority and a year-round commitment rather than a seasonal campaign, while urging society to break taboos surrounding the illness.
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ICCI’s “Pink Shield Initiative”: ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mahmood outlined the chamber’s comprehensive roadmap, announcing the Pink Shield Initiative to assist needy patients. Key features include:
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Quarterly pink screening camps in collaboration with partner hospitals.
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An annual Pink Business Week to drive awareness across the corporate sector.
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A dedicated chamber help desk and hotline for treatment guidance.
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Financial support and scholarship programs for deserving patients.
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Speeches and Expert Presentations: ICCI Founder Group Chairman Tariq Sadiq spoke on empowering women and championing community health. Dr. Saeeda Yasmin, General Surgeon and Breast Cancer Treatment Specialist, delivered an informative presentation on common causes, regular checkups, and lifestyle improvements.
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Notable Attendees: The event was attended by numerous women business leaders, university students, media representatives, along with ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, former presidents Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Zafar Bakhtawari, Mian Shaukat Masoud, and executive members. The session concluded with chamber leadership presenting a commemorative shield to the Minister of State.
