ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government has decided to strengthen the Prime Minister’s National Program for the elimination of Hepatitis C through a public, private partnership, by appointing Dr. Akbar Niazi teaching hospital as a center of excellence for the national initiative.
The announcement was made during a high level national seminar held on World Hepatitis Day. The event was organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, GAK Healthcare International and other partner organizations.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated the seminar, while Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal attended as the chief guest and addressed participants.
Meanwhile, Pakistan faces one of the world’s highest viral hepatitis burdens, ranking fifth globally with nearly 13.8 million people living with chronic Hepatitis B and C infections. Authorities warned that unsafe medical practices, limited awareness and delayed diagnosis continue to increase the country’s health challenges.
According to the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Pakistan has around 10 million chronic Hepatitis C cases, making it one of the countries most affected by the virus. The country also has an estimated 3.8 million people living with Hepatitis B, placing Pakistan behind only China, India, Indonesia and Nigeria in total hepatitis cases.
PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said Hepatitis C affects between 4.8% and 7.5% of Pakistan’s population, while Hepatitis B affects around 1.1% to 1.7%. He added that complications linked to the diseases, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, cause more than 37,000 deaths in Pakistan every year.
Message from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on World Hepatitis Day (28th July 2026)
Today, we renew our national resolve to eliminate viral hepatitis and safeguard the health and wellbeing of every Pakistani. World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder that…
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 27, 2026
The event brought together senior government officials, World Health Organization representatives, healthcare experts, policymakers, researchers, doctors, development partners and other stakeholders. Speakers highlighted the importance of joint efforts to achieve Pakistan’s goal of becoming hepatitis free by 2030.
Dr. Dawar said the hospital was selected because of its modern healthcare infrastructure, quality medical services, advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, experienced healthcare professionals and large patient base.
He said the hospital serves patients from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, making it a suitable national level center for the hepatitis elimination program.
Yasir Khan Niazi, Group Chief Executive Officer of GAK Healthcare International and Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, said the private sector would continue working with the government to support Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate hepatitis.
He said private healthcare institutions could contribute to addressing major public health challenges through quality medical services, healthcare education, research, innovation, public awareness campaigns and community outreach programs.
Niazi described the hospital’s appointment as a Center of Excellence as a major milestone and said the initiative would strengthen cooperation between public and private sectors in the fight against hepatitis.
He added that eliminating hepatitis requires continuous cooperation between government institutions, healthcare organizations, academic sectors, development partners and pharmaceutical companies.
During the seminar, experts discussed Pakistan’s hepatitis situation, prevention strategies, improvements in screening and treatment facilities, modern diagnostic methods and recent developments in hepatitis care. Participants also discussed the role of government and private organizations in achieving hepatitis elimination targets.
In closing remarks, Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghori and Director General Health Dr. Abdul Wali Khan thanked federal ministers, speakers, WHO representatives, national and international experts, partner organizations and participants for their contributions.
