----Allama Iqbal

The Nargis flower is a reflection of rare and true vision and represents individuals who see beyond the present.

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Younus Khan's life is a remarkable story of perseverance, faith, and generosity. It is a journey from humble beginnings to a legacy that will shape the future of healthcare in Scarborough for generations to come.

A retired real estate broker and long-time Scarborough resident, Younus is giving back to Scarborough Health Network (SHN) by establishing The Younus and Mumtaz Khan Family Awards. These awards will support future doctors training in the new University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, helping strengthen local healthcare and ensure the community continues to receive the care it deserves.

"Removing financial barriers can change the direction of a person's life," Younus says. “I don't want anyone in Scarborough to give up their dreams because of money."

His gift is a transformational and visionary contribution, recognized as one of the largest philanthropic commitments from the Pakistani community to SHN, and reflects a lifelong commitment to education, service, and generosity.

Born in 1941, Younus faced profound hardship early in life, losing his parents at a young age and growing up without financial security. Education was never guaranteed, yet it became his greatest passion. A natural leader and lifelong learner, he contested and won the 1962 election for Secretary General of the Commerce Students’ Union at Islamia College, Karachi—a victory that opened doors to rare opportunities, including representing the college and meeting Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. These formative experiences shaped a man defined by vision, resilience, and confidence.

Younus has always sought to develop new skills. He believes deeply in the power of education. His gift embodies the spirit of SADAQ JARIA, or ongoing charity, creating a lasting legacy that benefits future generations and continues to serve humanity long after his lifetime.

In 1965, he moved to Iran and took a teaching Job in a newly established Pakistani school. In 1968, he married his late wife, Mumtaz Khan, a constant source of support and inspiration. She shared equally in building their life together, and Younus emphasizes that half of what he owns reflects her legacy. Later that year, he was inspired by a Time Magazine advertisement about immigrating to Canada.

In May 1971, he landed in Montreal and later moved to Toronto. The early years were challenging; Younus worked parking lots, took odd jobs, and knocked on doors to support his young family. These experiences shaped his determination and work ethic, eventually leading to a successful career in real estate.

For decades, Younus quietly supported causes close to his heart. His giving helped replace the roof of a mosque in Scarborough. For more than 30 years, he supported the education of children in Pakistan when their families faced financial hardship.

SHN' s Centenary Hospital, just minutes from Younus’ home, has cared for Younus and his family for decades, including emergency visits, rehabilitation, and supporting his son with multiple sclerosis.

"Supporting healthcare close to home is important to me," he says.

Younus and Mumtaz raised three children, all living nearby in Scarborough, reflecting the family-centred values he has always cherished.

The Younus and Mumtaz Khan Family Awards are exclusively for Scarborough residents, helping address the doctor shortage in Scarborough, and inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders.

''Scarborough deserves the same quality care as anywhere else in Toronto," he says. "These awards will help train doctors who will stay here and care for our community."

His journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary impact embodies perseverance, family, community service, and enduring generosity. SHN is deeply grateful for his visionary gift, a tribute to Mumtaz and a lasting legacy that will transform healthcare in Scarborough for generations to come.