Dania Zaheer, a 25-year-old student from Pakistan, is facing a difficult and uncertain future after being severely injured in a hit-and-run incident near the Galleria in Houston, Texas.
Zaheer, who moved to the US on a student visa to pursue a master’s degree in business administration at North American University, sustained multiple fractures, including her pelvis, hip, femur, and arm. She remains hospitalized at Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition, with fluid in her lungs making it difficult for her to breathe.
The accident occurred last Thursday evening around 8pm at Westheimer and Sage, where Zaheer was crossing the street. According to the Houston Police Department, a driver hit her and fled the scene without stopping to check if she was alive.
Police have a witness and are currently searching for video evidence, but no vehicle or suspect description has been provided yet.
Speaking from her hospital bed, Zaheer described her overwhelming sense of hopelessness. “I had a really bright future, and now, I can't see anything,” she said, struggling with the physical and emotional impact of her injuries.
Zaheer, who moved to Houston alone for her studies, hoped to provide a better life for her parents back in Pakistan. Now, with her future uncertain, she is left to recover without family or financial support. “I am all alone here. There’s no one to take care of me,” Zaheer added.
The Pakistan Consulate General in Houston has stepped in to offer support. Following instructions from Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Consul General Abrar Hashmi visited Zaheer in the hospital, wishing her a speedy recovery and assuring her of full support from the consulate and the Pakistani government.
On the instructions of DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 the CG visited Dania Zaheer, a 🇵🇰 student who suffered multiple bone fractures in an accident in Houston. He wished her speedy recovery & assured her all the support from the Consulate & gov. of 🇵🇰@ForeignOfficePk @PakinUSA @Mumtazzb
— Pakistan Consulate General Houston (@Pakinhouston) September 12, 2024
The consulate’s efforts were also echoed by Texas State Representative Dr Suleman Lalani, who expressed his deep sorrow for the tragic incident and vowed to assist Zaheer during her recovery.
"I am deeply saddened to learn about the unfortunate hit-and-run incident involving Dania Zaheer, a bright MBA student from Pakistan who came to Houston with hopes of a better future," said Dr. Lalani in a statement. "Our office is in active contact with the Pakistan consulate in Houston, leadership at North American University, the Pakistan Association of Greater Houston, Houston City Officials, and law enforcement to coordinate assistance for Dania. Despite her current hardships, we will come together as a community to ensure Dania is not alone."
Please see my statement on the hit-and-run incident involving Dania Zaheer, a Pakistani MBA student in Fort Bend County. Our office is actively working to ensure she receives the necessary care and support. If you have any information, please help law enforcement bring justice to… pic.twitter.com/C0wJxDm6Ej
— Rep. Suleman Lalani, M.D. (@DoctorLalani) September 13, 2024
Lalani urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist law enforcement in bringing justice to the case. He also reassured that Zaheer was receiving proper medical care and that efforts were underway to provide her with further support, given her lack of family in the US and limited resources.
