- LRBT treats 3 million patients annually through 20 hospitals and 61 clinics, ensuring free eye care for 86% of underprivileged population
Interview with Dr. Malik Ahmed Saeed (Lt Col Retd), Administrative Superintendent — LRBT Hospital, Korangi Karachi
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Dr. Malik Ahmed Saeed: I’m proud to be both an Iqbalian and a Ravian, having attended the esteemed Government College, Lahore (now University), founded in 1864. I earned my MBBS from the prestigious King Edward Medical University, Lahore, the oldest college in Pakistan (1860) and sixth oldest Medical School in South Asia. My journey then led me to serve in the Army Medical Corps for 21 years, where I had the honor of working in diverse environments, including Siachen and the Northern Areas. My experiences extended to the Pakistan Air Force and Navy, where I served on ships and even submarines. A highlight was performing medical duties for the Haj Medical Mission in 1993 and later serving as a Flight Surgeon in Riyadh KSA.
After taking early retirement as a Lt Col in 2004, I continued my passion for medicine in the private sector. My civil service journey includes 13 years of work with charity hospitals, starting with the renovation and running of Karwan-e-Hayat Psychiatric Hospital in 2004. I then became the Medical Superintendent at Ziauddin University Hospital for four years, and for the past eight years, I’ve been with LRBT as the Administrative Superintendent, Korangi Hospital.
At LRBT, we strive to prevent blindness, providing free eye-care to those in need, saving the sight of millions. My time as Chief Medical Officer at K-Electric for five years (prior to joining LRBT) also enriched my career. Each step of my journey has been driven by a deep commitment to serving others and making a difference in their lives. May Allah accept my humble contributions. Ameen.
PAGE: Several publicly listed companies claim giving donations for various social causes. What is your perspective in this regard?
Dr. Malik Ahmed Saeed: Publicly listed companies in Pakistan, like in many other countries, often engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, including donations for various social causes. These contributions can have a significant positive impact on society, but it’s important to evaluate them from multiple perspectives:
Positive Perspectives:
- Social Impact:
Companies that donate to social causes, such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation, contribute to the well-being of communities and help address critical societal issues. For example, donations to organisations like LRBT (Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust) can help provide free or subsidized eye care to underprivileged populations.
- Corporate Reputation:
– Engaging in CSR activities can enhance a company’s reputation and build goodwill among consumers, investors, and other stakeholders.
– Companies that are perceived as socially responsible may enjoy increased customer loyalty and a stronger brand image.
- Employee Morale:
– CSR initiatives can boost employee morale and engagement, as employees often feel proud to work for a company that contributes to social causes.
– This can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
- Regulatory Compliance:
– In some cases, CSR activities help companies comply with regulatory requirements or expectations, particularly in industries where social and environmental impact is closely scrutinized.
Critical Perspectives:
- Transparency and Accountability:
– There can be concerns about the transparency and accountability of CSR activities. Stakeholders may question whether the funds are being used effectively and for the intended purposes.
– It’s important for companies to provide clear and detailed reports on their CSR initiatives and their impact.
- Motives and Greenwashing:
– Some critics argue that companies may engage in CSR activities primarily for public relations purposes rather than a genuine commitment to social causes. This is sometimes referred to as “greenwashing.”
– It’s essential to assess whether the company’s CSR efforts are aligned with its core values and long-term commitment to social responsibility.
- Proportionate Contribution:*
– The scale of a company’s CSR activities should be proportionate to its size and profitability. Stakeholders may scrutinize whether the contributions are meaningful relative to the company’s financial performance.
- Focus Areas:
– The choice of social causes supported by companies can also be a point of discussion. It’s important for companies to address the most pressing needs of the communities they serve and ensure a balanced approach to various social issues.
While many publicly listed companies in Pakistan do make genuine and impactful contributions to social causes, it’s crucial for stakeholders to remain vigilant and demand transparency and accountability. Companies should strive to integrate CSR into their core business strategies and demonstrate a long-term commitment to making a positive difference in society.
By doing so, they can build trust and create sustainable value for both their business and the communities they serve.
PAGE: There is a growing understanding that CSR efforts enhance brand image, drive sales revenues, and boost profitability. What is your take on this?
Dr. Malik Ahmed Saeed: You’re absolutely right — Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly seen as a strategic business tool rather than just an act of philanthropy. Companies that integrate CSR effectively often experience benefits beyond social goodwill, including enhanced brand image, increased sales, and improved profitability.
Here’s how CSR drives business success:
- Brand Image & Customer Loyalty
– Consumers today are more conscious of ethical business practices. Brands known for their CSR efforts (e.g., sustainability, fair labor practices, community support) often build stronger emotional connections with customers.
– Studies show that people prefer to buy from companies that contribute positively to society, leading to brand differentiation in competitive markets.
- Increased Sales & Market Share
– CSR initiatives can directly influence purchasing decisions. For example, Unilever’s “Sustainable Living” brands (such as Lifebuoy and Dove) grew 69% faster than the rest of the business in 2018.
– Businesses targeting younger demographics, like Gen Z and Millennials, especially benefit, as these consumers actively seek socially responsible brands.
- Employee Engagement & Productivity
– Companies with strong CSR programs tend to attract and retain better talent. Employees feel a sense of purpose, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.
– Google, for instance, encourages employees to volunteer, fostering a positive work culture and increased engagement.
- Investor & Financial Performance
– Many investors now consider ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors before funding companies. Businesses with strong CSR policies often receive higher valuations and better investor confidence.
– Global examples, such as Tesla and Microsoft, show that integrating CSR into core strategies boosts long-term profitability.
- Regulatory & Risk Management Benefits
– Proactive CSR policies help companies stay ahead of government regulations, reducing legal risks and fines.
– Environmental initiatives, such as sustainable packaging and energy efficiency, can lower costs in the long run while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
While CSR can enhance business performance, it works best when it is authentic and aligned with core business values. Companies that engage in “greenwashing” (false or exaggerated claims about sustainability) often face consumer backlash.
CSR is no longer just about doing good — it’s about doing well by doing good. When companies strategically integrate CSR into their business model, they create a win-win situation for both society and their bottom line.
PAGE: In which areas of Pakistan is LRBT serving the poor?
Dr. Malik Ahmed Saeed: The Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) is Pakistan’s largest non-governmental organization dedicated to preventing blindness and providing free eye care services to the underprivileged. Since its inception in 1984, LRBT has expanded its network across the country, ensuring that no Pakistani is more than a three-hour bus ride away from an LRBT facility.
As of 2025, LRBT operates 20 fully-equipped hospitals and 61 primary eye care centres throughout Pakistan. These facilities are strategically located in both urban and rural areas to cover 86% of Pakistan and to serve communities where poverty and lack of resources often prevent access to quality eye care.
In Sindh, LRBT has a significant presence, including facilities in Karachi, Tando Bago, Rashidabad, and Gambat. The Korangi facility in Karachi, for instance, provides free treatment to the poor, with a daily average of 1000 patients in the outpatient department and 100 cataract surgeries.
In Punjab, LRBT operates hospitals in Lahore, Lar (Multan), Mandra, Khanewal, Shahpur, Arifwala, Chiniot, and Pasrur.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, LRBT serves the community through hospitals in Akora Khattak, Odigram (Swat), Mansehra, and Kalakalay.
In Balochistan, LRBT operates a hospital in Quetta. Through its extensive network, LRBT ensures that quality eye care remains accessible to the poor and underprivileged across Pakistan, transforming lives by restoring sight.
PAGE: How many patients are treated every year and how much cost does LRBT incur in this regard?
Dr. Malik Ahmed Saeed: Since its inception in 1984, LRBT has treated over 58 million patients through its extensive network of 20 hospitals and 61 clinics across Pakistan. Annually, LRBT provides care to approximately 3 million patients, averaging around 10,200 outpatient visits per day. In terms of financials, LRBT’s annual operating budget is approximately PKR 4 billion, funded entirely through charitable donations. Notably, LRBT maintains a low overhead expense ratio, with only 4.3% of its total operating expenditure allocated to overhead costs as of June 30, 2023. This efficient use of funds ensures that the vast majority of donations are directed toward providing free, high-quality eye care to those in need across Pakistan.