University honours student who died of thalassemia

Salwa lost the battle to Thalassemia five months ago

KARACHI: The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University on Monday honoured a student who passed away five months ago after a long battle with thalassemia

Salwa, a Masters of Commerce student, was given an outstanding performance medal for achieving the first position at the university’s convocation ceremony. The entire hall burst with a round of applause when the girl’s name was called out by the presenter.

“She was 11-year-old when she was diagnosed with thalassemia,” said Salwa’s father Sattar. The father said they focused on her education. “She was a genius. She would always bag the first position in each grade.”

“Salwa kept worked hard and achieved what she set out to. I would have been happier had she been here to accept the award herself. She would have been euphoric to see this moment,” he said adding that he was overjoyed yet sorrowed at the moment.

Reflecting on her health, Sattar said Salwa had received initial treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The family continued her medical treatment when they moved back to Pakistan. “She left us grieving.”

Salwa, the eldest child, was determined to pursue work and serve society and her parents, said her father.