Lahore, February 9, 2026: Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) has launched its 2026 Zakat Campaign, spotlighting the resilience and hope of cancer survivors. Addressing a press conference on the occasion, Dr Aasim Yusuf, Chief Medical Officer at SKMCH&RC, shared that in 2025 alone, Shaukat Khanum Hospitals provided free cancer treatment worth Rs. 20 billion, with Zakat contributions accounting for nearly half of this life saving support. This growing generosity reflects the deep public trust in Shaukat Khanum’s mission. Since its inception, the institution has spent over Rs. 125 billion on free treatment for indigent patients.
Every patient at Shaukat Khanum receives the same world class care, regardless of their ability to pay. Zakat funds are managed with the highest standards of transparency and Shariah compliance. The Zakat system is independently certified as Shariah compliant, with all Zakat collected in a year fully utilised within the same year for the treatment of deserving cancer patients. The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust is certified by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy, and its accounts are audited annually by A.F. Ferguson & Co.
Looking ahead, Shaukat Khanum continues to expand its services to reach more patients across Pakistan. Construction of the third and largest Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Karachi is progressing steadily, Insha’Allah, with the facility expected to open later this year. The Trust’s total budget for 2026 stands at Rs. 43 billion, with the following approximate allocation: Clinical services: 30%, Zakat: 31%, general donations: 30%, Karachi project donations: 9%
Dr Aasim Yusuf added, “We humbly appeal to Pakistanis at home and across the world to continue their tradition of generosity. Your Zakat and donations ensure that no one is denied equitable access to high quality cancer care. We sincerely thank the media for their consistent and invaluable support in amplifying this life saving cause.”
Ways to give Zakat include online donations via debit or credit card; cash or cheque at Shaukat Khanum hospitals, offices, diagnostic centres, and laboratory collection points; deposits at any bank in Pakistan; direct bank transfers to SKMT Zakat accounts (available at nearly every bank); home collection services; and mobile wallets such as EasyPaisa and JazzCash. For more details, please visit shaukatkhanum.org.pk
