Sep 10, 2025
The Department of Urology & Kidney Transplant, PAF Hospital Islamabad, organized a dignified ceremony on Sep 10, 2025, to mark the Completion of Postgraduate residents’ training. The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating residents but also highlighted the continuing mission of advancing urological education, patient care, and institutional growth.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of Air Vice Marshal Sohail Akbar, Director General Medical Services (DGMS), Air Headquarters, who attended as the Chief Guest. The Guest of Honor was Prof. Muneeza Rizwan, Commandant Fazaia Postgraduate Medical Institute (FPGMI) &Head of Dermatology, PAF Hospital Islamabad. The gathering was further graced by esteemed members of the Board of Governors of Pakistan Kidney Institute (PKI), including Dr. Munir I. Malik and Dr. Masooma Saeed, along with consultants, postgraduate residents, medical officers and house officers of the department.
The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem, instilling a spirit of reverence and patriotism among all participants. The proceedings were ably conducted by Dr. Durre Shohab Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon, who kept the event engaging and well-organized.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Saeed Akhter, Chairman, Department of Urology & Kidney Transplant and President of PKI, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating residents, Squadron Leader Dr. Adnan Khan and Squadron Leader Dr. Sajila Bano, on the successful completion of their rigorous training program.
Prof. Saeed Akhter emphasized that the completion of training is not the conclusion, but rather the beginning of their journey as independent consultants. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professional integrity, clinical expertise, and compassionate patient care. He reminded them that as future leaders in the field of Urology, their responsibilities extend beyond patient management, encompassing mentorship, research contributions, and innovations in clinical practice.
Highlighting the role of Pakistan Kidney Institute (PKI), Prof. Saeed Akhter shared its journey since 2004 as a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing quality care to underprivileged kidney patients. He expressed gratitude to all supporters and acknowledged the countless lives transformed through PKI’s services.
He also shed light on the Postgraduate training program in Urology, initiated under his leadership, which by the grace of Allah has successfully produced more than 60 fully trained Urologists. These graduates are now serving as Consultants in leading institutions across Pakistan and abroad, carrying forward the vision of excellence and service to humanity. This, he noted, is among the proudest achievements of the department.
Prof. Saeed Akhter further emphasized that PAF Hospital has now evolved into a state-of-the-art medical facility, comparable with leading centers in the country. He suggested that it is time to take the next step by aligning the hospital’s systems with International quality benchmarks, particularly those set by the Joint Commission International (JCI). He expressed optimism that with institutional support, PAF Hospital can achieve global accreditation, thereby setting new milestones in healthcare delivery.
Prof. Muneeza Rizwan, Commandant FPGMI, lauded the efforts of Prof. Saeed Akhter and his team. In her address, she acknowledged the significant role of FPGMI in postgraduate medical education and underlined the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping the next generation of specialists. She remarked that after such a comprehensive address by Prof. Saeed Akhter, very little remained to be added, and she wholeheartedly endorsed his vision for the future.
The graduating residents, Dr. Sajila Bano and Dr. Adnan Khan, also addressed the audience. Both expressed their profound gratitude to Prof. Saeed Akhter for his visionary leadership and dedicated mentorship, which enabled them to receive training of the highest standards. They acknowledged that the guidance and inspiration provided by Prof. Saeed Akhter had been instrumental in shaping their professional growth and instilling in them the values of excellence, service, and compassion.
Dr. Sajila Bano particularly emphasized that she considered herself fortunate to have trained under the direct supervision of Prof. Saeed Akhter. She noted that his mentorship, leadership, and legacy had provided them with an exceptional learning experience, preparing them to embrace their new responsibilities as independent consultant urologists. She also shared her pride in the fact that she will be the first female urologist in the history of the Pakistan Air Force, a milestone that she credited to the unmatched training and encouragement she received during her residency.
Delivering the concluding speech, the Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Sohail Akbar, DGMS, congratulated the graduating residents and commended the Department of Urology&Kidney Transplant for its outstanding contributions. He expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Saeed Akhter’s leadership and vision, recognizing him as a mentor whose tireless efforts have produced more than 60 skilled Urologists, a contribution of national significance.
He affirmed that PAF is privileged to have such committed leadership within its medical services and assured his full support for the department’s future initiatives, including the pursuit of JCI accreditation. He further emphasized that investment in quality healthcare and specialized training is not only an institutional priority but also a national responsibility.
As a token of recognition, Shields were presented by the Honorable Chief Guest, Air Vice Marshal Sohail Akbar (DGMS) to Dr. Sajila Bano and Dr. Adnan Khan upon the successful completion of their postgraduate residency.
In acknowledgment of their esteemed presence, Prof. Saeed Akhter also presented Shields to the Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Sohail Akbar and the Guest of Honor, Prof. Muneeza Rizwan.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a formal dinner, where the distinguished guests, faculty, and residents engaged in meaningful discussions about future prospects in healthcare and postgraduate training.
The event was a resounding success, celebrating the accomplishments of the graduates, reaffirming the department’s legacy of excellence, and setting forth a visionary roadmap for the future of Urology in Pakistan.
