Karachi’s forgotten leprosy hospital still stands as a symbol of compassion and coexistence
The 130-year-old hospital became a refuge for leprosy patients rejected by society for decades
Shayan Saleem
Correspondent
I am Shayan Saleem, a journalist with 14 years of experience in both news television and digital media. My expertise lies in feature storytelling, covering topics such as history, culture, tourism, information technology, character-driven narratives, and in-depth storytelling.
For decades, leprosy patients were pushed to the margins of society and left isolated near Karachi’s Manghopir hills.
Then, 130 years ago, Hindu philanthropist Sadhu Hiranand chose compassion over fear and built the Hiranand Leprosy Hospital, a place where patients found care, dignity, and acceptance when much of the world had turned its back on them.
Inside the historic compound, a mosque, temple, and church still stand side by side, reflecting a rare legacy of coexistence and humanity beyond religious divides, something deeply rooted in Sindh’s cultural identity.
This story by Nukta’s Shayan Saleem explores the forgotten history, the people, and the enduring legacy of one of Karachi’s most remarkable institutions.





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