ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board has approved the allocation of approximately 22 acres of prime land for the establishment of an Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) campus in Islamabad. This decision follows the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The CDA Board meeting, chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, formally approved the proposal. The site is located along a major highway, ensuring high accessibility for patients, students, and faculty members. Aga Khan University (AKU) President Sulaiman Shahabuddin confirmed the development in an exclusive conversation with The News. He said the CDA had identified “a very good green piece of land” for the hospital. “I personally visited the land, and it is an excellent option for a teaching and healthcare facility,” he noted. However, he added that discussions with the government were still at an early stage and that a full feasibility study would be conducted before moving forward.
Shahabuddin highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was “very enthusiastic” about AKU’s expansion into Islamabad and had pledged full support to fast-track the project. He stated that the aim was to build capacity in healthcare and training to strengthen the country’s overall health infrastructure. The Islamabad campus would serve not only the capital but also neighbouring regions such as Northern Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
AKU has been considering expansion into Islamabad since 2024. At the time, Shahabuddin mentioned that both Islamabad and Lahore were identified as strategic locations under the university’s five-year expansion plan. This decision was based on the need to provide services to underserved populations in northern and central Punjab. The new AKUH campus in Islamabad is expected to be a comprehensive academic and healthcare centre. It will combine a teaching hospital, research laboratories, and training programmes for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Though timelines for the project are yet to be confirmed, experts believe this development marks a significant step forward in improving healthcare in Pakistan.
