ISLAMABAD: The launch ceremony of the Empower Seniors Foundation (ESF) was held at the Islamabad Club on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. It brought together actors, professors, business professionals, writers and members of civil society, along with a large number of senior citizens.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed was the chief guest at the event. He was joined by General (retd) Syed Sabahat Hussain, former naval chief Admiral (retd) Asif Sandila, Air Marshal (retd) Shehzad Chaudhry, Syed Shamoon Hashmi, actress Laila Zuberi and ESF CEO Anjum Ara Abid, along with the ESF Board of Directors and team members.
The gathering included people from all generations. Participants used the occasion to reflect on the role older people play in families and communities, and on the responsibility society has towards them.
Speaking to Pakistan Observer, senior actress Laila Zuberi said senior citizens are an important part of society and should be treated with respect and care.
She said senior citizens carry a lifetime of experience that can serve as a valuable source of learning for younger generations, noting that many lessons gained through life experience cannot simply be learned from books.
She stressed that senior citizens should be helped to feel valued and should know that their presence remains important to society. She urged people to respect and care for their elders and recognise them as an integral part of the community.
A cake-cutting ceremony was also held during the launch of the Empower Seniors Foundation, with Chief Guest Mushahid Hussain Sayed, his wife Dr. Dushka Sayed, General Syed Sabahat Hussain, CEO Anjum Ara Abid, and members of the ESF Board of Directors in attendance.
Chief guest Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed also shared experiences from his life, highlighting the importance of learning from the wisdom and experiences of senior citizens.
ESF CEO Anjum Ara Abid, speaking to Pakistan Observer, said society must play its role in reducing the generational gap between young people and senior citizens.
She said the knowledge, experience and abilities of older people should be utilised rather than allowing them to be sidelined or considered incapable of contributing to society.
“Every senior citizen does not only need financial support; they also need our time, attention and respect,” she said.
Abid said the foundation aims to make Islamabad a senior-citizen-friendly city where older people can access healthcare, transportation and other essential facilities. She also called for improved facilities for senior citizens at parks, hospitals, banks and other public places.
Such facilities, participants noted, are not only a matter of convenience but also a matter of dignity, as they allow older people to remain active, independent and engaged with the world around them.
Other participants also shared their experiences and emphasised that senior citizens should not be considered an unnecessary or inactive part of society. Instead, their experiences and knowledge should be passed on to younger generations, creating opportunities for both generations to learn from and understand each other.
Speakers said that when older people are given the chance to share their stories and skills, the benefits are felt on both sides. Younger people gain guidance and perspective, while senior citizens gain a sense of purpose and belonging.
The event highlighted that while differences between generations are natural, stronger communication, respect and understanding can help bridge the generational gap and create a more connected society.
Speakers stressed that the experience and wisdom of senior citizens remain a valuable resource that should be recognised, preserved and shared with future generations.
