Becoming a Pilot: Young thalassemia patient's wish becomes reality

Gets both her wishes of becoming a pilot and setting up a blood transfusion centre.

Naima Gul, a 12 year old thalassemia patient from Swat, dream of flying was fulfilled when she became an honorary pilot with the Pakistan army.

On March 26, Gul’s lifelong dream was fulfilled by the Pakistan Army. Hailing from Mingora, Swat, she said that the happiest moments of her life were when she donned the army uniform to serve her country.

The young thalassemia patient has another wish, to establish a hospital in Swat, where patients like her can be treated free of cost. She is now getting help with this wish as well with the Fatmid Foundation pledging Re25 million for establishing the Naima Gul blood transfusion centre which will help children who are suffering from the same disease.

The centre will facilitate Thalassemia patients by providing free blood transfusion, medicines and food.

Swat has a large number of Thalassemia patients; with the annual number of deaths exceeding 600.

The fulfilment of Naima's innocent dream will save the lives of many children suffering from the deadly disease.

She also made history by becoming the first female pilot of the Pakistan Army Aviation.