AKU considering establishment of ‘University Hospital’ in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: At the request of the Government of Pakistan, Aga Khan University (AKU) is considering establishment of a ‘University Hospital’ in Islamabad, marking a significant expansion into Northern Pakistan and particularly the federal capital, AKU President Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin said on Tuesday.

“We are planning for expansion of the University Hospital’s footprint to Islamabad following the government’s request. Discussions are ongoing, and our teams are exploring options to ensure AKU’s physical presence in the federal capital,” Dr. Shahabuddin told The News in an exclusive interview.

Dr. Shahabuddin elaborated that as part of their upcoming five-year strategic plan, AKU is also ‘very serious’ about establishing teaching programmes in Islamabad. He noted that Islamabad, being a hub for Northern Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir, and Lahore, a key city in Punjab, are both strategic locations for AKU’s expansion.

Expanding on His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s vision for education and research in the Muslim and developing world, Dr. Shahabuddin highlighted that the Aga Khan frequently references influential Muslim scientists, researchers, and philosophers from the 9th to 12th centuries. Their pioneering work significantly influenced modern knowledge and development.

“His Highness aims to revive such research and knowledge creation in the Muslim world. This commitment is reflected in the $2.2 billion investment made in the Aga Khan University and its affiliated institutions since its inception,” Dr. Shahabuddin added.

He also mentioned that Aga Khan III, the grandfather of the current Aga Khan, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University in undivided India. This institution was crucial to the independence movement and the creation of Pakistan.

In addition to Pakistan, AKU has international campuses in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan. Dr. Shahabuddin emphasized that AKU is a major institution for higher education and research in both Pakistan and the region.

He noted that Aga Khan University holds the distinction of being Pakistan’s first private university, chartered in 1983. This laid the foundation for higher education in the private sector in the country.

Similarly, the Aga Khan University established Pakistan’s first School of Nursing in Karachi in 1980. This institution has been instrumental in advancing nursing education and setting high standards for nursing practice in Pakistan. Currently, more than 50 nursing schools in Pakistan are led by graduates of AKU’s School of Nursing, significantly enhancing the status of nursing education and the role of female nurses in the country.

Following the enactment of the Sindh Teachers Licensing Law in 2023, inspired by foundational work of AKU’s Institute for Educational Development along with other partnering NGOs, 646 teachers have passed the licensing exam and received their teaching licenses. This achievement reflects the impact of AKU and its affiliated educational institutions in Sindh and across the country.

Dr. Shahabuddin highlighted AKU’s contributions to medical education and research, noting that its health education programme is now ranked among the top 100 globally, which is a significant achievement for Pakistan.

He expressed concern over the approximately 26 million out-of-school children and the 40% of children suffering from stunting due to malnutrition. Dr. Shahabuddin called for strengthening both primary and secondary education, while also focusing on developing colleges and universities of international standards.

Although AKUH is one of the leading tertiary-care facilities in the country, Dr. Shahabuddin emphasized the need to improve primary care and promote preventive healthcare. He pointed out that the high costs of cardiac surgeries, angiography, and angioplasty are beyond the reach of many, and that lifestyle improvements and early cancer detection can greatly enhance survival rates. He underscored that low-cost health interventions are essential for addressing health issues in Pakistan.