Epilepsy Awareness Lecture at
ZVMG Rangoonwala Community Centre
October 01, 2025
Dr. Zarine Mogal was invited to give an epilepsy awareness talk by the Rangoonwala Community Center at their Annual Health and Wellness Session. It was well attended talk by students and volunteers. The audience interaction in the interactive talk was encouraging and created a positive energy required.
AI Introduction Workshop – May 16, 2025
AI is becoming a powerful tool in epilepsy awareness, enabling wider and more effective public engagement. National Epilepsy Centre is beginning to explore its use to strengthen outreach. Mr. Tariq Mustafa, an IT specialist and our NGO member, conducted a practical training workshop for NEC doctors and staff who often multitask due to limited resources, on using AI tools to create impactful social media content and support ongoing awareness efforts.
Epilepsy Sparks Insights - Podcast with Torie Robertson May 2025
Dr. Zarine Mogal featured on the Epilepsy Sparks podcast, where she shared valuable perspectives on shifting societal attitudes toward epilepsy in Pakistan, and the ongoing work required to sustain this change. In a comprehensive discussion with host Torie Robinson, a person living with epilepsy who uses her platform to connect individuals with epilepsy, healthcare professionals, and researchers, Dr. Mogal reflected on the journey of raising awareness, dismantling stigma, building inclusive care models within a complex cultural landscape, and working to reduce the treatment gap.
Watch the podcast on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHio3etPTt0&t=33s
Celebrating International Epilepsy Day - 10 February 2025, National Epilepsy Day - 28 February 2025 and
National Epilepsy Month – entire February
Ms Nadia Jamil at National Epilepsy Centre
Ms. Nadia Jamil, a celebrated actor, person living with epilepsy, and advocate for epilepsy awareness, visited the National Epilepsy Centre. During her visit, she interacted warmly with patients and their caregivers, offering encouragement and boosting their morale. She listened attentively to each individual’s social concerns, giving motivational while whilst sharing her personal experiences with epilepsy. Requests for selfies and photographs were graciously accommodated, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for all present.
Epilepsy Awareness Talk Shows on FM Radio
Talk shows featuring specialists were aired on FM radio channels across all provinces with live telecasts on their Facebook page throughout the month.
Dr. Zarine Mogal – Karachi https://www.youtube.com/live/kAmQa65OfIM?si=3TwCyGbjdDCn_P4B
Prof. Shaheen Mughal – Nawabshah https://www.youtube.com/live/iiE-X5teVCY?si=KrJseC68j8RBAUZ4
Dr. Ubaidullah Ansari – Multan https://www.youtube.com/live/4EDPWirOwUw?si=vFYX7MTSMCxqwhqA
Prof. Tipu Sultan – Lahore https://www.youtube.com/live/Ie-UTuyj2DM?si=UBd42odOqlSZ7doh
Prof. Saleem Barech – Quetta https://www.youtube.com/live/6cPOEKrD0ZQ?si=IXRHnAblKsvZ_B97
Illumination of city landmarks in Purple
City’s landmarks, Empress Market, Frere Hall, KMC Building, Teen Talwar & Port Grand along with the National Epilepsy Centre building, were illuminated in the epilepsy awareness colour purple, for three consecutive days in collaboration with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to mark the launch of National Epilepsy Day .
Epilepsy Awareness video on city’s SMD screens
National Epilepsy Centre’ epilepsy awareness video was played on loop on the city’s SMD screens for three consecutive days. This activity was held in collaboration with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to mark the launch of National Epilepsy Day .
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Epilepsy Awareness Banners & Medicine Bags
Epilepsy awareness banners were displayed at busy chemist shops. The shops were also provided with attractive reusable fabric bags, printed with epilepsy awareness slogans, to dispense medicines to their clients.
Workshop on Public Awareness with students of Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College
A workshop on how to create public awareness for health conditions, especially epilepsy, was held at NEC. Fifteen enthusiastic students with two neurologists from the college faculty actively participated. Two students brought their epilepsy awareness artwork. One student offered her services to help with the NEC social media and does so as time permits from her busy education schedule
Celebrations at National Epilepsy Centre
The National Epilepsy Centre proudly marked International Epilepsy Day and National Epilepsy Day with a series of thoughtful, patient centric activities designed to foster awareness, dignity, and community support for individuals living with epilepsy.
International Epilepsy Day – February 10, 2025
On this global day of awareness, every patient visiting the Centre was presented with a tea/coffee mug, pen, and notebook in a multipurpose long-use shopping bags, each carrying an epilepsy awareness slogan, symbolizing encouragement and solidarity. To further ease the burden on families, all patients were exempted from the token follow-up fee.
Children and their parents were engaged in a meaningful session highlighting eminent personalities from around the world who lived with epilepsy. The aim was to reassure families that epilepsy does not limit one’s potential, dreams, or achievements. An online quiz for neurology postgraduates was also conducted, promoting academic engagement and strengthening the knowledge base of young trainees in the field.
National Epilepsy Day – February 28, 2025
The Centre observed National Epilepsy Day with great spirit. Staff members, patients with their attendants, and all visitors were adorned with purple ribbons, the international colour of epilepsy awareness, and encouraged to wear them throughout the day. Children received biscuits and éclairs wrapped in purple, adding a joyful touch to the occasion. Once again, all patients were exempted from the token follow-up fee, honouring NEC’s commitment to accessible care.
A special cake-cutting ceremony was held, bringing together the doctors and staff of the Centre. This gathering not only celebrated the first National Epilepsy Day but also commemorated the birthday of Pakistan’s greatest humanitarian, Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi, who himself lived with epilepsy and remains a powerful symbol of resilience, compassion, and service.
National Epilepsy Centre building was illuminated in purple for three continuous days.
These commemorative activities reflect NEC’s ongoing dedication to creating a supportive, informed, and stigma-free environment for people living with epilepsy. The Centre remains committed to compassionate care, public education, and the empowerment of patients and families across Pakistan.
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Launch of National Epilepsy Day and National Awareness Month February 03, 2025
Health-specific days, weeks, and months, endorsed by the World Health Organization and other international bodies, play a crucial role in spotlighting key health concerns, mobilizing global awareness, and fostering preventive action. Similarly, nationally recognized observances are essential for drawing attention to under-addressed conditions, encouraging community participation, and supporting culturally contextual advocacy at the grassroots level.
Recognizing the need National Epilepsy Centre (NEC) jointly with Epilepsy Association of Pakistan (EAP), Pakistan Chapter of ILAE and Epilepsy Support Pakistan (ESP), Full Pakistan Chapter of IBE , have jointly declared February 28th as National Epilepsy Day and February as National Epilepsy Awareness Month in Pakistan. The day also commemorates the birth anniversary of Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib, Pakistan’s most revered humanitarian, who lived with epilepsy and devoted his life selflessly to the service of humanity; his life story serving as a powerful source of inspiration for the epilepsy community in Pakistan. His legacy underscores the message that epilepsy does not limit one’s ability to live a meaningful and impactful life.
The launch event, held at Port Grand, Karachi, was graced by Mayor Karachi, Murtaza Wahab and Ms. Nadia Jamil, a celebrated actor, person living with epilepsy, and vocal advocate for epilepsy awareness. Dr. Zarine Mogal, Consultant Neurologist, Head of NEC and President of EAP and ESP, and Mrs. Shanaz Ramzi, President designate of ESP, highlighted the importance of national recognition in empowering the estimated 2.2 million people living with epilepsy in Pakistan. They called for collective, cross-sectoral efforts to build a more inclusive and informed society. The honoured guests endorsed the need for sustained awareness and action to combat stigma, and expressed their full support for this critical initiative.
Presidents of ILAE Prof. Helen Cross, IBE Dr. Franseca , and ILAE-Asia Oceania shared video messages applauding this step, noting the importance of national observances in addressing stigma and the treatment gap.
Adding to this momentous occasion, Prof. Helen Cross – President ILAE, Francesca Sofia – President IBE and Prof. John Dunne – President, ILAE-Asia Oceania shared video messages applauding this step, noting the importance of national observances in addressing stigma and the treatment gap and expressed hope that these new initiatives will further catalyze change in the country.
This landmark declaration reflects Pakistan’s growing commitment to health equity, inclusion, and improved care for people with epilepsy.
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Edhi Memorial Epilepsy Awareness Lecture for Teachers of
The Mama Parsi Girls Secondary School
July 25, 2024
National Epilepsy Centre was invited by The Mama Parsi Girls’ Secondary School, Karachi to participate in their health seminar on epilepsy. The interactive session was attended by around 250 teachers. Key topics included recognizing various types of seizures, distinguishing them from similar non-epileptic events, providing appropriate first aid during a seizure, and understanding the emotional and psychological effects epilepsy can have on students. Additionally, myths and misconceptions contributing to stigma were thoroughly addressed.
Such workshops equip teachers with the knowledge to foster a stigma-free environment, allowing students with epilepsy to flourish both academically and socially. It was particularly heartening to learn that Mama Parsi School actively supports students with epilepsy. Currently, the school has six students of different age groups living with epilepsy, and the school management is fully committed to ensuring their well-being and success.
International Epilepsy Day - Sindh TV Morning Show
February 12,2024
Epilepsy awareness through television, the most effective electronic medium was done.
ILAE Sponsored Epilepsy Awareness
Documentary Telecasts
2023
In 2023, International League Against Epilepsy-Asia Oceania supported the telecast of epilepsy awareness documentary on national and regional language television channels as an initiative for WHO’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP).
A comprehensive month-long epilepsy awareness campaign on state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV) was done during the month of Ramzan. Three major channels of PTV; PTV News, PTV National, and PTV Bolan, telecast the epilepsy documentary multiple times a day throughout the month. Live, viewer-interactive dedicated epilepsy program, Pakistan Time on PTV National (regional multilingual), and Iftar Special Transmission on PTV News were done on weekends.
Telecast of the documentary twice a day for one month was also done on Geo, KTN, VSH, Khyber, and City 42 Channels. https://youtu.be/9QKRGPsJIOA?si=aJhe3-2l0NlRnduK
Epilepsy Awareness Podcast - SDTV
May 04, 2023
SDTV for their YouTube Channel viewers recorded a podcast on Epilepsy & Stigma on May 04, 2023.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jDF8GE0MRA&t=42s
Epilepsy Awareness – SAMAA TV Morning Show
February 14, 2022
On International Epilepsy Day National Epilepsy Centre’s specialists were invited by Samaa TV to their live Morning Show to talk about epilepsy and related issues. The morning show is widely watched by non-working female members of the households.
Edhi Memorial Epilepsy Awareness Lecture for Mothers of
Kiran Foundation - DCTO Campus Students
March 04, 2022
On International Epilepsy Day National Epilepsy Centre’s specialists were invited by Samaa TV to their live Morning Show to talk about epilepsy and related issues. The morning show is widely watched by non-working female members of the households.
Edhi Memorial Epilepsy Awareness Lecture at
Inner Wheel School, Karachi
November 16, 2021
An Epilepsy Awareness lecture for the students of grades 9 and 10 at Inner Wheel School Korangi, Karachi was conducted. About 50 students, 30 mothers, class teachers, and members of Inner Wheel Club, Karachi who run the school attended the session. The session lasted for 2 hours. The interactive lecture addressed stigma, myths, and misconceptions about epilepsy. First aid for epilepsy patients. Information brochures were distributed.
Interview on Voice of America - Urdu
August 2021
Dr. Zarine Mogal was interviewed on ‘Life Three Sixty’ by Saba Shah Khan for Voice of America – Urdu to talk about epilepsy. Dr Zarine spoke about how a seizure can present, the First Aid that is given in case one sees a person seizing, and how the seizures are managed. It is a highly stigmatized disorder that can be only reduced through sustained awareness programs.
International Epilepsy Day
Pakistan Shines a Light on Epilepsy
February 08, 2021
To promote epilepsy awareness, International Epilepsy Day was celebrated in Karachi, Pakistan by National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) in collaboration with Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) & Epilepsy Association of Pakistan (EAP). Activities were spread over three days. Doctors from NEC were invited by Samaa FM 107.4 to talk about epilepsy on their popular morning show. The show is heard by children on the way to school and people to work all over Pakistan. This program is heard in other countries too. The feedback from the listeners was very encouraging.
Large-sized banners with epilepsy awareness messages were placed on several pedestrian bridges strategically located on the main traffic artery of Karachi that connects the national highway to the Karachi port and branches to reach other parts of the city. These posters were legible from 700-800 metres.
At National Epilepsy Centre, a lucky draw activity for children with epilepsy was held. The winner got a large stuffed teddy bear.
A press conference was held after dusk at a popular public space, Port Grand located near the Karachi port. The place was beautifully lit up in purple – the colour of epilepsy. The media personnel were briefed about epilepsy and the importance of spreading awareness by the EAP President who also Co-Heads CECP-NEC. The Govt. of Sindh was represented by the Assistant District Commissioner, South. A short awareness documentary and recorded messages President of CECP-NEC and CECP-ESP, the Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, and the President of ILAE were also shown.
Epilepsy awareness documentary and audio-visual messages were displayed in a loop on large SMD screens at Port Grand and Burns Road Food Street. The event was extensively covered in media.
The highlight of the International Epilepsy Day Celebration was illumination of national monuments and landmarks in purple; the most significant being the Mausoleum of the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Large awareness banners were placed at these sites for people to associate purple with epilepsy.
Podcast with Rabia Aziz Rizvi of Special Needs Pakistan
May 19, 2020
Special Needs Pakistan run by Rabia Aziz Rizvi provides a platform and a resource network for all people with special needs and their caregivers. The platform provides information about medical facilities and their motto is to promote compassion, tolerance, love, and looking beyond social negativities. A special session for epilepsy was held on May 19th. Dr. Zarine was joined by Prof. Hasan Aziz and all aspects of epilepsy from clinical presentation to social injustice faced by people with epilepsy were discussed during the 30-minute podcast.
Epilepsy Tea - E-Tea
April 13, 2020
National Epilepsy Centre (NEC) and Epilepsy Support Pakistan (ESP) organized a gathering to introduce the Neurology Research and Patient Welfare Fund (NRPWF) and its projects NEC & ESP to a group of concerned citizens of the city. The idea behind it was to invite people to volunteer for ESP to create awareness about epilepsy and plan fundraising events for NEC. The group was shown a documentary to elaborate on the centre’s work. This was followed by a Q&A session with the NEC Team. The event was graciously hosted by Mr & Mrs Columbowala.
International Epilepsy Day at National Epilepsy Centre
February 10, 2020
National Epilepsy Centre (NEC) in collaboration with Epilepsy Support Pakistan (ESP) celebrated International Epilepsy Day. Public awareness posters with illustrations in English and Urdu were put up at NEC for all to read and understand. Eco-friendly bags were specially made for the patient to carry their medicines. Each bag had an epilepsy awareness message printed on it. All children with epilepsy who came to the centre were given goodie bags.
PTV Ramzan Morning Transmission
May 22, 2019
PTV Pakistan Television again invited doctors from National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) to join them for their special Ramazan live morning transmission which is viewed well, and people are more attentive and responding to social issues during the holy month. Epilepsy awareness through an engaging conversation about epilepsy and responding to viewers’ questions through live calls.
Health Week – LuckyOne Mall
February 15-17, 2019
National Epilepsy Centre (NEC) in association with Epilepsy Support of Pakistan (ESP) took part in Health Week organized by LuckyOne Mall, Karachi. Epilepsy awareness was spread in a festive fun manner with games, face painting for children, and an epilepsy quiz on how much you know about epilepsy. Prizes were given to the winners all bearing the awareness message. Awareness brochures were distributed amongst visitors at the mall. The awareness documentary was played on the loop which captured the attention of many visitors.
PTV Morning Show Subh e Nau
February 11, 2019
In celebration of International Epilepsy Day 2019, PTV (Pakistan Television) the state-owned national television network invited doctors from National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) to join them during their live morning show Subh e Nau – meaning a new morning. The channel has a strong national as well as international viewership. The team had an active conversation with the show’s host about epilepsy; and the facts and myths surrounding the disorder. During the show, our team also answered live calls from viewers.
International Epilepsy Day – Epilepsy Rickshaw Trail
February 11, 2019
With the success of the previous year’s rickshaw campaign, National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) with Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) undertook a month-long campaign using city rickshaws this year as well. Ten Rickshaws were uniformly decorated with public awareness banners. This 30-day drive was initiated on International Epilepsy Day 11-Feb-2019 with a small press conference at the CECP-NEC, and the rickshaw trail was flagged off by the chief guest Dr. Seemin Jamali, Director JPMC, and Prof. Hasan Aziz. The rickshaws trailed, passing through various parts of the city, halting at public spots, and distributing awareness material. The entire city was covered in parts for over a month.
International Epilepsy Day – Epilepsy Awareness Banners on Rickshaws and Prominent Public Places
February 12, 2018
As part of the International Epilepsy Day 2018 celebration, National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) in collaboration with Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) undertook a week-long campaign of putting up panaflex epilepsy awareness banners on city rickshaws. Rickshaws are a popular mode of public transport in Karachi and reach every nook and corner of the city. As part of the epilepsy awareness campaign posters and banners were also put up in prominent public places all over the city.
International Epilepsy Day – Public Awareness at
Karachi’s Largest Shopping Mall
February 11, 2018
On International Epilepsy Day 2019, National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) and Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) collaborated with LuckyOne Mall, Karachi, and organized a day-long epilepsy awareness program in the main area of the mall. The program included the distribution of epilepsy material and interaction with anyone who wished to know more about epilepsy from our team of doctors. For children, there was face painting as well as a dart board game with true or false statements about epilepsy. The person with the most correct responses was given a prize. An epilepsy information brochure was distributed.
Epilepsy Awareness in Educational Institutions by
Medical Students of JSMU
February 2018
National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) collaborated with Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) and JSMU Student Council to spread epilepsy awareness in the city’s schools & colleges. A group of 7 enthusiastic JSMU students were trained at CECP-NEC by Dr. Zarine Mogal & Dr. Hiba Mahmud. The month–long activity ended with an awareness session on Feb 24, 2018, for students – medical & non-medical, teachers, people with epilepsy & their parents at the JSMU auditorium. Prof. Tariq Rafi VC, JSMU gave a welcome address. The JSMU Student Council put up a skit of a street scene in which a person has an epileptic fit & how people react. Lectures on the Enigma of Epilepsy, Epilepsy and its Treatment, and Myths & Misconceptions were delivered by Prof. Hasan Aziz, Dr. Zarine Mogal & Dr. Ghazala Usman. The awareness documentary was shown. The students had set up a photography corner with creatively made awareness slogans, masks, and photo frames for participants to photograph with, as an event souvenir. Certificates were distributed among students who worked extremely hard to make this event a success. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS ACTIVITY WAS A FINAL YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT OF JSMU – UMME AMMARA WHO PUBLICLY DECLARED TO HAVE EPILEPSY SINCE CHILDHOOD BUT THIS HAS NOT HELD HER BACK IN ANY WAY. –long activity ended with an awareness session on Feb 24, 2018 for students – medical & non-medical, teachers, people with epilepsy & their parents at the JSMU auditorium. Prof. Tariq Rafi VC, JSMU gave a welcome address. The JSMU Student Council put up a skit of a street scene in which a person has an epileptic fit & how people react. Lectures on Enigma of Epilepsy, Epilepsy and its Treatment, and Myths & Misconceptions were delivered by Prof. Hasan Aziz, Dr. Zarine Mogal & Dr. Ghazala Usman. Awareness documentary on NEC was shown. The students had set up a photography corner with creatively made awareness slogans, masks, photo frames for participants to photograph with, as an event souvenir. Certificates were distributed among students who worked very hard to make this event a success. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS ACTIVITY WAS A FINAL YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT OF JSMU – UMME AMMARA PUBLICLY DECLARING TO HAVE EPILEPSY SINCE CHILDHOOD BUT THIS HAS NOT HELD HER BACK IN ANYWAY.
International Epilepsy Day - Public Awareness Seminar
February 13, 2017
National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) with Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) celebrated International Epilepsy Day by holding a public awareness seminar in collaboration with Mir Khalil-Ur-Rehman Memorial Society (Jang Group) at the Najmuddin Auditorium, JPMC. Patients with epilepsy, their caregivers, medical care providers, and people from all strata of life attended the event. This seminar was dedicated to (Late) Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi, who himself had epilepsy and championed the cause and was an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people with epilepsy in the country. The highlight of the awareness seminar was people with epilepsy talking on a public platform about their life with epilepsy; their trials and tribulations and how they overcame it to become high achievers and lead a normal life. Wide and detailed media coverage all over Pakistan of the event further enhanced the awareness. Awareness through FM Radio, billboards, and posters was also done.
Celebrating Women with Epilepsy on
International Women's Day
March 8, 2016 – Karachi
On International Women’s Day, National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) and Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) organized an event that highlighted special issues unique to women with epilepsy. The event was designed around the theme of International Women’s Day – Step it up for gender equality. An interactive session with young courageous women who despite having epilepsy are successful members of society was held.
Purple Day - A Public Awareness Program
March 26, 2013
National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) and Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) in their continuous endeavors to promote awareness about epilepsy in the public organized an awareness program. People from all strata of life attended the program. The lectures given were mostly illustrative in simple local language for easy understanding and covered topics about epilepsy and its presentation, issues with women and the geriatric population with epilepsy, and its treatment.
Pakistan Stands Up For Epilepsy
January 2012
With the slogan “Stand up for Epilepsy” various sports celebrities from all member countries of ILAE stood up with people with epilepsy to create awareness of the disorder among the masses. In our country we had our two cricket stars Moin Khan and Shahid Afridi, who took time from their busy schedule to stand up for the cause.
