CM hails Dr Hasnat Khan’s return to lead Jinnah Institute of Cardiology

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has congratulated British-Pakistani cardiologist Dr Hasnat Khan on taking charge of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology and praised his decision to return from England to serve people in Pakistan.

During a meeting with Dr Khan, the chief minister paid tribute to what she described as his spirit of public service and said the government was committed to developing the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology into a state-of-the-art institution.

Maryam Nawaz said, It is heartening that a son of the soil has chosen to serve his underprivileged compatriots. She also said efforts were being made to ensure the best possible treatment facilities for heart diseases were available to every citizen across Pakistan.

The chief minister further said the Punjab government wanted to turn the province into a global centre for medical tourism.

Appointment made under rules, says minister

Punjab Specialised Healthcare Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had appointed Dr Khan as dean of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in line with the rules and regulations and on the recommendations of the institute’s board of directors.

The minister said the Punjab government was working to provide heart patients with healthcare facilities that meet international standards. He added that Dr Khan had submitted his application after the Punjab Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education issued an advertisement for the post.

The development marks the formal assumption of charge by Dr Khan at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, with the Punjab government presenting the move as part of its broader effort to improve specialised cardiac care in the province.

According to the statements cited in the official interaction, the government’s emphasis remains on expanding access to treatment for heart disease and strengthening institutional capacity at the newly led facility.

Maryam Nawaz’s remarks focused on both the significance of Dr Khan’s return from England and the administration’s stated objective of upgrading cardiac care services. Khawaja Salman Rafique, meanwhile, outlined the process behind the appointment, saying it was carried out in accordance with the applicable rules and the recommendation of the JIC Board of Directors.

The minister reiterated that the provincial government was seeking to make internationally standardised treatment available to cardiac patients, while the chief minister linked the initiative to a wider vision for healthcare development in Punjab.

Dr Khan’s appointment has been presented by the provincial leadership as an important step in efforts to strengthen the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology and improve treatment options for patients suffering from heart disease.