This morning Pakistan lost one of its most distinguished philanthropists when Dr. Ruth Pfau passed away during a surgery in Karachi.
Since the 1960’s she had dedicated her life to serving those suffering from Leprosy in Pakistan. In 1988 she was awarded Pakistani citizenship in recognition of her tireless commitment to this country and its people.
Recipient of Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Pakistan, Dr. Ruth Pfau’s name will always figure prominently among those few selfless people whose life was an embodiment of love and sacrifice.
We bring to you her inspirational journey in pictures.
Born in 1929, Dr. Ruth Pfau chose medicine as her future path after escaping the Nazi rule in East Germany during World War II.Wanting greater meaning to her life, Dr. Ruth Pfau joined the Catholic order. She first came to Pakistan in the 1960’s to serve those suffering from Leprosy. Her journey in Pakistan began from the slums of Karachi.Soon thereafter she became consumed with caring for Pakistanis suffering from Leprosy. She traveled from place to place to identify and treat underprivileged patients.
For her services to humanity, Dr. Pfau received many national and international honours. A few among these included, Order of Merit (Germany), Hilal-e-Imtiaz, and Hilal-e-Pakistan.