The Supreme Court of Pakistan issued a significant directive on Tuesday, ordering that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred from prison to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical care. To ensure a thorough assessment of the former prime minister's health, the apex court also mandated the formation of a specialized medical board. According to the court's instructions, this high-level medical panel will comprise leading specialists across multiple disciplines, including physicians, surgeons, internal medicine experts, ophthalmologists, and cardiologists. The judicial decision comes amid growing concerns regarding his wellbeing while in custody, prompting the court to authorize medical treatment at one of the country's most prominent healthcare facilities.
Islamabad's Premier Healthcare Hub and Operational Scale
Located in Sector H-8/4 of Islamabad, Shifa International Hospital stands as one of Pakistan's most advanced and reputable medical centers. The expansive facility currently features an inpatient capacity of over 550 beds, offering round-the-clock comprehensive medical care. Reflecting its extensive operational scale, the institution employs more than 300 highly qualified physicians and covers over 45 medical and surgical specialties capable of handling complex pathological conditions.
A notable aspect of Shifa International Hospital is its unique corporate and financial standing. It holds the distinction of being the only hospital in the country listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, where its shares have been actively traded since 1994. Furthermore, to maintain global benchmarks in patient care and safety, the facility is accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI), based in the United States. This international certification verifies that the hospital adheres strictly to rigorous global protocols regarding clinical governance and patient safety.
The 1985 American Origin Story Behind Shifa Hospital
The genesis of Shifa International Hospital dates back to 1985, originating not in Pakistan, but in New York City, United States. A group of visionary Pakistani healthcare professionals practicing in America conceived the idea of establishing a state-of-the-art medical center in their home country to deliver international-standard clinical services. Dr. Zaheer Ahmad played a pivotal leadership role in spearheading this ambitious venture.
Upon completing his residency in internal medicine, Dr. Zaheer Ahmad took concrete steps to translate the vision into reality. On July 20-21, 1985, he convened a crucial meeting of healthcare professionals in Brooklyn, New York. During this gathering, five medical practitioners formally endorsed the concept and committed to launching the project. A few months later, on December 17, 1985, Dr. Zaheer Ahmad arrived in Islamabad to begin ground-level planning. The institution was named 'Shifa', a term signifying healing and wellness while embodying cultural heritage, faith, and humanitarian values.
Corporate Evolution: From Private Enterprise to Public Listing
To establish a formal framework for the project, the founders executed a series of legal and infrastructure milestones. On September 20, 1987, Shifa International was officially incorporated as a Private Limited Company. To facilitate future expansion and public equity participation, it was restructured into a Public Limited Company on October 12, 1989.
Land acquisition for the hospital complex was completed in 1987, securing over 11 acres of land in Islamabad. Physical construction commenced in early 1988, followed by a formal foundation laying ceremony held on October 6, 1989. After years of development, the hospital inaugurated its operations in 1993, initially functioning with just 8 OPD clinics and 36 beds. The facility received its first OPD patient on June 26, 1993, and admitted its first inpatient on September 25, 1993, before being listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in 1994.
Milestones in Organ Transplantation and Specialized Care
Over the decades, Shifa International Hospital introduced groundbreaking clinical procedures in Pakistan, earning widespread recognition in organ transplantation. A major milestone occurred on April 30, 2012, when the hospital successfully performed its first living donor liver transplant. According to hospital data, the facility had completed more than 1,000 liver transplants by 2021.
Beyond liver transplants, the institution offers comprehensive transplantation programs for kidney, bone marrow, and corneal procedures. Its cardiology and cardiovascular surgery departments are similarly recognized for managing high-risk cardiac conditions using modern intervention techniques.
Celebrity Care and Advanced Cardiac Interventions
The hospital has routinely provided specialized treatment to prominent public figures, including renowned Pakistani film actor Shahid Hamid. Suffering from severe calcific aortic stenosis, a critical cardiac condition, Shahid Hamid was admitted to the hospital's cardiology department for specialized intervention.
A medical team led by cardiologist Dr. Asad Akbar Khan performed Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI), a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a diseased aortic valve without traditional open-heart surgery. Following the successful intervention, the hospital reported marked improvement in the actor's health, allowing for an early discharge.
Shifa Foundation: Philanthropic Outreach and Community Care
In addition to operating as a major commercial medical center, the hospital fulfills a significant social welfare role through its affiliated non-profit arm, the Shifa Foundation. Established in 1991, the foundation provides free or heavily subsidized medical treatment to underprivileged and financially constrained patients.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the Shifa Foundation engages in educational initiatives and active disaster relief operations during humanitarian emergencies. From its modest beginnings in 1985 as a concept discussed by five doctors in Brooklyn, Shifa International has evolved into a premier 550-bed healthcare institution serving thousands of patients annually.
