Cast of Anarkali
Cast with Dr Sher Shah Syed and organizers
Dr Sher Shah Syed, Nuzaira Azam , and Dr Zafar Iqbal
Laughter for a Cause: Anarkali—A Comedy Supports Women’s Healthcare in Karachi
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
Fundraising initiatives that blend cultural expression with humanitarian purpose continue to play a vital role in mobilizing diaspora communities. A notable example is the series of events organized by the National Health Forum in collaboration with community partners across North America to support Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital in Karachi.
Founded by renowned Pakistani gynecologist Dr Sher Shah Syed, Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital has grown into one of Pakistan’s largest charitable institutions dedicated to women’s health. Located on the outskirts of Karachi, the hospital provides free or highly subsidized care, with a particular focus on obstetric fistula repair, maternal healthcare, and a wide range of gynecological services. Serving primarily underprivileged women—many from remote and rural areas—it treats hundreds of patients daily. Its mission extends beyond clinical care to include rehabilitation, restoration of dignity, and the social reintegration of marginalized women. Operated under the Zafar & Atia Foundation, the facility has expanded its services in recent years, including the addition of a neonatal care unit, further strengthening maternal and child health support.
At the center of the current fundraising campaign is the Urdu stage production Anarkali – A Comedy, an engaging initiative that blends humor, cultural nostalgia, and social awareness. The play was directed by Farzana Bharmal and produced by Mohammed Inamullah. The concept was developed by Shahid Ali, and the script was finalized by Shahid Ali and Noorulain.
The production has been staged in multiple overseas cities, and its scheduled tour includes several locations across the United States and Canada. This report focuses on the performance held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the auditorium of Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Virginia.
The events typically follow a well-curated format: a social hour with refreshments, a full theatrical performance, and a concluding segment of community interaction and appeals for support. Performances by dedicated community actors—including Farah Toor, Noorulain Khan, Khalique Khwaja, Nighat Daud, and Saadi Farooqi—add vibrancy and emotional depth, enhancing audience engagement with the cause. Local support for the initiative was provided by Shah Fazal Abbas, Safia Paracha, Fahad Kamil, Kulsoom Shaikh, and several volunteers, with Dua Jewelers serving as the event sponsor.
These events have consistently supported life-saving medical services for women who otherwise lack access to essential healthcare. What distinguishes this initiative is its innovative fusion of art and philanthropy. By moving beyond conventional fundraising methods, it attracts diverse audiences, fosters emotional connection through storytelling, and raises both awareness and financial support for women’s health issues that often remain overlooked.
The play itself carries a thoughtful social message. Through humor and satire, it challenges the assumption that marriage can resolve the psychological or emotional challenges young people face. Instead, it underscores the importance of communication, encouraging parents to listen to their children with empathy and to avoid confrontational approaches.
An evening centered on Anarkali – A Comedy thus becomes more than a theatrical experience. It is a celebration of culture, a gathering of community, and, above all, a collective commitment to restoring health, dignity, and hope to the thousands of women served by Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital.
