ISLAMABAD: A pillar of courage Prof of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Fareesa Waqar, who cured others without revealing her pain, passed away at the age of 61 early last week.

A gynaecologist at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), Dr Nabila, while talking to Dawn, said that it was quite upsetting for her to inform that such a wonderful doctor had passed away and left thousands of patients and friends sad.

“Dr Fareesa was a wonderful doctor who earned respect and name through devotion and care for her patients and students,” she said.

Dr Fareesa had served as Head of Department at Railway Hospital, IIMCT and Riphah International University Islamabad.

“She was suffering from a disease for decades but she never revealed it to anyone. She always remained well dressed, used handbags and sandals that matched her dress and had a smile on her face,” Dr Nabila said.

Even doctors, who used to work along with her for decades, were not aware of her disease. So it is inappropriate to share her disease as she herself never shared it with anyone,” Dr Fareesa’s daughter Ursala Waqar said while talking to Dawn.

“She never refused to see and treat any patient. Patients used to call her even after midnight and she never put her phone on silent mode or switched it off. She believed that Allah had given her something by which she could serve people and alleviate the suffering of her patients,” Ursala Waqar said.

Dr Fareesa also used to work at Ali Medical Centre in Sector F-8. She remained admitted there but even her close friends and colleagues were not aware that she was admitted.

The deceased left behind her husband, Waqar Ahmad Shah, a retired bureaucrat and two daughters, Nusabbeh

Waqar and Ursala Waqar, to mourn her death.

She was buried at her ancestral land in Datta, near Mansehra on Nov 6th, and Qul was held in Abbottabad.

The deceased’s sister, Fauzia Sayeed, told Dawn that whenever she used to visit the US [Fauzia’s residence], she would attend phone calls throughout the night as her patients would call her mostly late at night because of the time difference between the US and Pakistan.

“I would request her time and again to switch off her mobile phone but she would go to the lawn so that I would not get disturbed; she recommended medicines and advised precautionary measures after examining the reports of her patients,” she said.

Fehmina Faisal, the deceased’s other sister, said Fareesa was a pillar of strength for the whole community.

“She was beacon of light and very down to earth woman,” she added.

Her niece, Niveen Sayeed, said the deceased was the best role model because she led by example rather than just words of advice.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.