10 Most Influential Pakistani Doctors Throughout History

Published in

Heritage Digest

11 min readAug 17, 2024

Pakistan has been home to many remarkable medical professionals whose contributions have shaped national and global healthcare. This article celebrates the top ten most influential Pakistani doctors, whose dedication and pioneering work in various medical fields have left indelible marks on medical science and patient care. Their stories are not just of personal achievement but also of the progress of medicine in Pakistan.

Abdul Sattar Edhi (1928–2016)
Adeebul Hasan Rizvi (1938–present)
Anita Zaidi (1964–present)
Atta-ur-Rahman (1942–present)
Faisal Sultan (unknown)
Ruth Pfau (1929–2017)
Sania Nishtar (1963–present)
Abdul Bari Khan (1961–present)
Zulfiqar Bhutta (unknown)
Nafis Sadik (1929–2022)

1. Abdul Sattar Edhi (1928–2016)

Abdul Sattar Edhi was born into a Memon Muslim family in Bantva, Gujarat, India, on February 28, 1928. His upbringing, influenced by his mother’s teachings of love and care for humans, shaped his humanitarian outlook. Despite not being a medical professional in the traditional sense, Edhi’s contributions to healthcare through the Edhi Foundation, especially during crises like the Asian flu epidemic in 1957, were monumental. His foundation’s role in establishing the world’s largest ambulance network and various health facilities underscored his commitment to medical and emergency care in Pakistan.

Throughout his life, Edhi’s major achievements were closely tied to the medical and humanitarian fields. The Edhi Foundation’s expansion to include homeless shelters, animal shelters, rehabilitation centers, and orphanages across Pakistan was a testament to his dedication. Edhi’s approach was characterized by a hands-off management style, focusing on serving humanity beyond religious or ethnic divisions. This ethos extended to his medical services, which were free to all, reflecting his belief in action over words in expressing one’s faith and humanitarian values.

Edhi passed away on 8 July 2016 due to kidney failure. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the Edhi Foundation, now led by his son, Faisal Edhi. Edhi’s wish for organ donation, resulting in the donation of his corneas, exemplified his lifelong commitment to helping others, even in death. His state funeral, attended by national dignitaries, and the outpouring of grief and respect from across Pakistan and beyond highlighted the deep impact of his life’s work in medical and humanitarian service.

2. Adeebul Hasan Rizvi (1938–present)

Syed Adeebul Hasan Rizvi was born on 11 September 1938 in Kalanpur, Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, British India. His early life in a small village laid the foundation for his future in medicine. After graduating from Dow Medical College in Karachi in 1968, Rizvi pursued postgraduate training in the UK, returning to Pakistan not with personal luxuries but with a container full of medical equipment. This action highlighted his dedication to improving healthcare in his homeland from the outset of his career.

Rizvi’s major contribution to the medical field is founding the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) in Karachi, transforming it from an eight-bed urology ward into Pakistan’s largest kidney transplant center. His work was inspired by the National Health Service in the UK, aiming to replicate its ideals of free healthcare in Pakistan. Under his guidance, SIUT expanded its services across Pakistan, offering comprehensive care in urology and transplantation, and became a beacon of hope for many.

Dr. Adeeb Rizvi continues to serve as a prominent figure in the medical community, leading SIUT to new heights. His achievements include overseeing the first successful liver transplant on an infant in Pakistan in 2003 and his leadership in the Transplant Society of Pakistan. Despite threats to his life, Rizvi’s unwavering commitment to providing equitable healthcare services showcases his enduring dedication to humanitarian causes and medical excellence.

3. Anita Zaidi (1964–present)

Anita Kaniz Mehdi Zaidi, born in 1964 in the United Kingdom, grew up in a medically inclined family — her mother was a pediatrician, and her father was an anesthesiologist. Her upbringing was marked by frequent interactions with the medical field, accompanying her father on tours with the Pakistan men’s national field hockey team. This early exposure and a visit to a cousin in the UK that sparked an interest in microbiology set the foundation for her future in medicine and public health.

Zaidi’s education at Aga Khan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1988, was pivotal in her career—her time spent working in Pakistan’s urban squatter settlements during her studies highlighted her interest in community health. After graduation, Zaidi furthered her education and training in pediatrics and infectious diseases in the United States, acquiring a Master's in Tropical Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her career dedication to global public health was inspired by a USAID program in Gilgit-Baltistan, focusing on community healthcare improvements.

Today, Anita Zaidi is a prominent figure in global health as the President of the Gender Equality Division and Director of Vaccine Development, Global Health Surveillance, Diarrhea, and Enteric Diseases at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her efforts have significantly contributed to reducing neonatal deaths in poverty-stricken areas and developing new vaccination programs worldwide. Zaidi’s leadership in creating gender equality initiatives further showcases her commitment to comprehensive health and well-being improvements on a global scale.

4. Atta-ur-Rahman (1942–present)

Atta-ur-Rahman was born on 22 September 1942 in Old Delhi, India, into an Urdu-speaking family with a strong academic background. His grandfather was a vice-chancellor, and his father was a lawyer who ventured into the textile industry. Rahman’s early life, influenced by his family’s emphasis on education, led him to pursue a career in chemistry, marking the beginning of a distinguished journey in science and education.

After completing his education at Karachi University and furthering his studies at King’s College, Cambridge, Rahman returned to Pakistan to contribute significantly to the field of organic chemistry. His work at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Karachi and his leadership roles in various educational and scientific bodies have been instrumental in advancing the scientific landscape in Pakistan. Rahman’s efforts in organic chemistry, particularly his studies on anti-cancer compounds and contributions to natural product chemistry, have earned him international acclaim.

Today, Atta-ur-Rahman continues to serve as a luminary in the scientific community, holding the position of Professor Emeritus and contributing to global scientific advancements through various roles, including chairman of the PM Task Force on Science and Technology. His legacy is marked by his direct contributions to science and his efforts to improve higher education in Pakistan, earning him numerous awards and honors worldwide. His dedication to science and education exemplifies a lifelong commitment to enhancing knowledge and innovation.

5. Faisal Sultan (unknown)

Faisal Sultan is a distinguished Pakistani physician known for his extensive medical career and contributions to healthcare in Pakistan. His educational journey began at Cadet College Hasan Abdal, followed by King Edward Medical College graduation. Sultan further honed his expertise in the United States, specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases. His academic credentials complement his American Board of Internal Medicine certifications and fellowships from prestigious institutions.

Throughout his career, Sultan has made significant strides in healthcare, notably serving as the CEO of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. His leadership at this institution from 2003 to 2020 was crucial in advancing cancer care and research in Pakistan. Sultan’s expertise was further recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was appointed Prime Minister’s Focal Person on COVID-19, highlighting his pivotal role in national health crises.

Currently, Faisal Sultan serves as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, a position he has held since August 2020. In this capacity, he continues to influence Pakistan’s health policy and response strategies, particularly in the face of ongoing health challenges. His contributions extend beyond clinical practice to include roles in national health committees, advisory boards, and educational initiatives, marking him as a key figure in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape.

6. Ruth Pfau (1929–2017)

Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau was born on September 9, 1929, in Leipzig, Germany, into a Lutheran Christian family. Her early life was marked by the turmoil of World War II, leading her family to move to West Germany post-war. Pfau’s journey into medicine began at the University of Mainz. She was inspired by her desire to contribute meaningfully to society, fueled by the influences of her childhood experiences and the people she met who dedicated their lives to serving others.

In 1961, Pfau moved to Pakistan, where she would spend more than 55 years fighting leprosy, transforming the country’s approach to the disease. She founded the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Karachi through her efforts, expanding its reach to include 157 leprosy clinics across Pakistan. Her dedication significantly reduced the incidence of leprosy in Pakistan, earning her numerous national honors and the affectionate title of Pakistan’s “Mother Teresa.”

Dr. Ruth Pfau passed away on August 10, 2017, in Karachi after a lifetime dedicated to the service of humanity. Her death was mourned by many across the nation, leading to her being accorded a state funeral, a rare honor for a foreign national in Pakistan. Pfau’s legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the leprosy centers she established and the countless lives she touched through her compassionate care and relentless advocacy for the marginalized.

7. Sania Nishtar (1963–present)

Sania Nishtar, born on 16 February 1963 in Peshawar, Pakistan, embarked on a path that would lead her to become a renowned physician and cardiologist. Her academic journey began at Khyber Medical College, where she graduated top of her class in 1986. The influence of her father, a respected doctor, undoubtedly shaped her commitment to healthcare and public service, setting the stage for her numerous contributions to the medical profession and public health policy.

Nishtar’s educational achievements include a Ph.D. in medicine from King’s College London, alongside her clinical work as a cardiologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Her commitment to healthcare extended beyond clinical practice into health policy, where she founded Heartfile, a health policy think tank in Islamabad. Her dedication to improving healthcare systems and her innovative approach to public health challenges underscored her role as a leading figure in global health discussions, including her co-chairing roles at WHO and contributions to the global health quality standards.

Today, Sania Nishtar continues her impactful work as the CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, since 2024, focusing on vaccine development and distribution on a global scale. Her prior role as the Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, overseeing the Ehsaas Programme, and her election to the Senate of Pakistan highlight her multifaceted contributions to healthcare, public policy, and social welfare. Nishtar’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing healthcare accessibility and quality in Pakistan and internationally.

8. Abdul Bari Khan (1961–present)

Abdul Bari Khan was born in 1961 in Karachi, Pakistan, embarking on a journey that would lead him to become one of the country’s most respected cardiac surgeons and philanthropists. His early education culminated in earning an MBBS degree from Dow Medical College, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to healthcare and humanitarian efforts.

Throughout his professional life, Khan has made significant contributions to the medical field, most notably through the founding of the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN). Since its inception in 2007, under his leadership as CEO until 2022, IHHN has become a beacon of hope for countless patients, providing free and quality healthcare services across Pakistan.

Today, Abdul Bari Khan continues serving as the President of the Indus Hospital and Health Network, further guiding its expansion and impact. His vision and relentless efforts have transformed healthcare delivery in Pakistan and inspired a new generation of medical professionals and philanthropists to follow in his footsteps, striving to make healthcare accessible to all.

9. Zulfiqar Bhutta (unknown)

Zulfiqar A. Bhutta was born and raised in Pakistan, where he initially trained as a physician, marking the beginning of a distinguished career that would see him recognized globally in child and maternal health. His early education culminated in an MBBS degree from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar and a PhD from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. This foundational period set the stage for his lifelong commitment to improving healthcare for the most vulnerable populations.

Throughout his career, Bhutta has significantly contributed to global child health, holding professorships and leadership roles across prestigious institutions worldwide. As the Founding Director of the Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health at the Aga Khan University, he has spearheaded research and interventions that have shaped policy and practice in maternal and child health. His work has extended beyond borders, impacting healthcare systems in South-Central Asia, East Africa, and the United Kingdom, earning him the title of Distinguished National Professor by the Government of Pakistan.

Bhutta is the co-director of the Centre for Global Child Health at the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada and continues his pioneering research and advocacy work. His efforts focus on newborn and child survival, undernutrition, and the scaling up of evidence-based interventions in community settings, particularly in conflict and emergencies. Bhutta’s dedication to research synthesis and implementation has influenced global health policy, making him a leading figure in his field and a champion for women's and children's health worldwide.

10. Nafis Sadik (1929–2022)

Nafis Sadik was born on 18 August 1929 in Jaunpur, British India, into a distinguished family; her father was Muhammad Shoaib, a former Finance Minister of Pakistan. Her early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education, leading her to pursue a medical career. She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from Dow Medical College in Karachi, showcasing her early commitment to healthcare and women’s health.

After completing her education, including an internship in gynecology and obstetrics in the USA, Sadik returned to Pakistan in 1954. She began her career as a civilian doctor in army hospitals, focusing on women’s and children’s wards until 1963. Her early professional life laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to public health and family planning, eventually leading her to significant roles within the Pakistani government and beyond.

Sadik’s most notable achievements came through her work with the United Nations, where she served as the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund from 1987 to 2000. Her leadership was instrumental in promoting women’s health and rights globally, particularly in developing countries. Sadik’s efforts to integrate women into development policy and her advocacy for education and reproductive rights have impacted global health policies. She passed away on 14 August 2022, leaving a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to global health and population control.