KARACHI: A deeply emotional condolence reference was held at the Muin Auditorium of Dow Medical College on Thursday, where the Dow University of Health Sciences community gathered to pay tribute to the three final-year students who lost their lives in a recent tragedy. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazli Hossain, while addressing the gathering, said the loss of these young lives is one of the most painful moments anyone can experience, and one that will never fade from memory. She became visibly emotional during her address, and many participants were also moved to tears.
The reference was attended by senior faculty members including Registrar Dr. Ashar Afaq, Principal Dow Medical College Prof. Saba Sohail, Vice Principal Dr. Shumaila Khalid, Prof. Afrina Raza, and a large number of students.
Prof. Nazli Hossain said teachers guide and discipline their students only for their wellbeing, much like parents. She urged students to share the grief of the bereaved families and to maintain a bond with them in the future, especially by visiting them on festive occasions so that their sorrow may be eased. She also said that the University Syndicate would consider awarding MBBS degrees to the deceased students.
Registrar Dr. Ashar Afaq said the loss of any child is irreparable, and that the entire Dow community must stand by the parents during this period of immense grief. He noted that condolence messages are being received from across the world, reflecting the shock and sorrow felt throughout the Dow family.
Prof. Saba Sohail said the martyrdom of the three students may be the greatest tragedy in the history of Dow. She said a catastrophe has struck the families, and as a mother she could understand the unimaginable pain the parents are experiencing. She noted that while children who lose their parents are called orphans, there is no word in any language to describe the grief of parents who lose their children.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed souls and for strength and patience for the grieving families.
