National Keynote Speakers

Dr. Shahzad Karim Bhatti is an Interventional Radiologist and Pain Management Specialist, currently serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging at Mayo Hospital/King Edward Medical University, Lahore, and Visiting Consultant at the University of Lahore. A graduate of King Edward Medical College, he holds FCPS and MCPS in Diagnostic Radiology, an MSc in Pain Management, and a Fellowship in Interventional Pain Management (FIPM). With extensive experience in advanced diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures involving the brain, liver, biliary system, kidneys, and vascular structures, he has also specialized in interventional pain management and regenerative medicine. Over his career, he has held key academic and clinical positions in leading hospitals, contributing significantly to patient care, medical education, and the advancement of interventional radiology in Pakistan.

Dr. Adnan Arshad is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Molecular Pathology and Genomics at KAM-School of Life Sciences. With over a decade of teaching and research experience in medicine and oncology, he is a registered medical practitioner with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and holds full registration with the General Medical Council (UK). He has served in diverse academic and clinical research roles, including Assistant Professor of Physiology at the University of Lahore, Clinical Research Associate at Highnoon Pharmaceuticals, and Clinical Research Coordinator at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Dr. Arshad has collaborated on clinical trials with leading pharmaceutical companies such as GSK and Sanofi Aventis. His research focuses on tumor microenvironment, liquid biopsies, radiobiology, cancer immunology, nanomedicine, and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. He is also an active member of several professional bodies in Pakistan, the UK, and internationally.

Prof. Amer Jamil is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Dean, Faculty of Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. A certified facilitator and trainer from Academics Without Borders, Canada, he is also the Founder and CEO of Molecular Care, a faculty-incubated startup. His expertise spans Molecular Biology, Molecular Diagnostics, Nanobiotechnology, scientific writing, curriculum development, and online education. Prof. Jamil initiated his research career at UCLA, USA, and later established a state-of-the-art Molecular Biochemistry research group at UAF with over PKR 100 million in external funding from agencies including IFS, IFPRI, and USAID. He has supervised 23 PhDs and 115+ MPhil scholars, developed international collaborations, and received several national and international awards. With extensive contributions to teaching, research, science popularization, and training, he has organized major conferences with global bodies such as WHO, WFO, FAO, and USAID.

Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Deputy Chief Scientist at NIBGE, holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Phytotechnology (2011) from the University of Natural Resources & Life Sciences, Austria. His research focuses on beneficial plant–microbe interactions to enhance phytoremediation in floating and constructed wetlands, with a special emphasis on rhizospheric and endophytic bacterial diversity and activity. He has significantly contributed to soil remediation, microbial ecology, and linking microbial diversity with functional roles in contaminated environments. Dr. Afzal has led pioneering initiatives in developing cost-effective, sustainable technologies for wastewater and soil remediation in Pakistan, including floating wetlands using indigenous plants, microbes, and mats to treat sewage and industrial effluents. His work also includes the application of hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial consortia for crude oil–contaminated shorelines and soils, demonstrating the effectiveness of plant–bacteria synergism for large-scale environmental restoration.

Dr. Saba Riaz is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore. She completed her Ph.D. in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, UK, and a Post-Doctorate in Clinical Microbiology from University College London (2022–2023). Her research focuses on medical microbiology, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. An HEC-recognized Ph.D. supervisor, she has extensive teaching, research, and supervision experience, mentoring future leaders in microbiological sciences.

Muhammad Rehan Gul, Doctor of Pharmacy and MS in Forensic Chemistry (GCU Lahore), is Head of Radiopharmacy and Quality Assurance Representative at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. A US patent holder, his research has been recognized by HEC and MIT Technology Review. With prior experience as Lead Researcher at Herbion Pakistan, he has expertise in radiopharmaceuticals, nanomedicine, nutraceuticals, and drug development. He has 14 publications, international citations, and actively seeks collaborative research opportunities.

Dr. Waqas Ashraf is an Interventional Pain Physician and Assistant Professor at Superior University, specializing in non-surgical management of spine pain, sciatica, neuralgias, and joint pain. He holds MBBS, MD, and MSc in Pain Medicine (England) and has served at Advanced Pain Centers USA and Leicester Royal Infirmary UK. With expertise in anesthesia, pain medicine, critical care, and healthcare quality, he is also a certified healthcare educator and administrator, committed to advancing patient safety and pain management.

Dr. M. Zeeshan Sarwar is an Associate Professor of Surgery at King Edward Medical University, specializing in general, laparoscopic, and hernia surgery. He holds MBBS, FCPS (Surgery), Masters in Health Professions Education, and FACS (USA). With 17 publications, 124 citations, and over 16,000 reads, his research spans surgical practice, medical education, and student well-being. A skilled clinician and academic, Dr. Sarwar actively contributes to advancing surgical knowledge, patient care, and healthcare training in Pakistan.

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram, Founder President of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Pakistan, is a pioneering entrepreneur with ventures in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. She became the first woman Executive Committee member of LCCI in 2002 and later secured approval for women-specific chambers nationwide. Under her leadership, WCCI achieved ECOSOC recognition, expanded women’s representation in FPCCI, and advanced gender-focused policies. She also served as First Vice President FPCCI and sits on multiple national boards.

Adnan Haider is a Lecturer and Chief Cardiac Perfusionist at King Edward Medical University, Lahore. With a strong background in cardiovascular sciences, he has contributed to impactful research on cardiopulmonary bypass, valvular surgery, hemofiltration, and patient safety. His published work in reputed journals highlights evidence-based approaches to improving surgical outcomes. Actively engaged in teaching, clinical practice, and academic events, he combines research, professional training, and healthcare leadership to advance cardiac care and medical education.

Dr. Irfan Azmat Ullah Khawaja is a highly experienced Cardiac Surgeon and Cardiologist with over 26 years of clinical expertise. Holding an MBBS from Punjab University (1991) and an MS in Surgery from the University of Health Sciences (2009), he specializes in advanced cardiac procedures including angioplasty, bypass surgery, and aortic interventions. Affiliated with Bahria International Hospital, Lahore, he is recognized for patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and contributions to cardiovascular health in Pakistan.

Muhammad Rashid is a Geography graduate and researcher at Government College University, Lahore. His research focuses on industrial impacts, environmental hazards, and food science, with published studies on hazardous effluents, air emissions, and the physicochemical and rheological properties of date paste. With over 2,100 reads and 30+ citations, his work contributes to environmental sustainability and food innovation. He actively engages in interdisciplinary research, addressing both human health risks and industrial development challenges.

Dr. Haris Ameen serves as Senior Registrar of Nephrology at Services Hospital, Lahore, appointed through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). His role involves managing and supervising clinical services in the Nephrology Department, ensuring quality patient care and departmental efficiency. Appointed under PPSC’s recommendations, his tenure includes a two-year probation period with restrictions on private practice. Dedicated to nephrology, Dr. Ameen contributes significantly to specialized patient management and departmental development.

Hafiza Maryam Idrees is an experienced Respiratory Therapist with over nine years of professional practice in leading healthcare institutions of Lahore. She has served at Ittefaq Hospital (Trust) and Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences, where she provided specialized respiratory care and patient management. A graduate of the University of Health Sciences with a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care Therapy, she is skilled in advanced respiratory support and is committed to delivering high-quality patient care.

Dr. Muhammad Asim Rana is a highly experienced Consultant Physician and Head of MICU at Bahria International Hospital, Lahore. With over 20 years of expertise, he specializes in internal medicine, critical care, and general health management. Holding MBBS, MRCP (UK), EDIC, SFCCM, FCCP, and FRCPE, he is recognized among Lahore’s most respected internal medicine specialists. Known for his patient-centered care and clinical excellence, Dr. Rana consistently delivers quality treatment with a strong reputation for trust and expertise.

Dr. Muhammad Saqib Musharaf is an accomplished Pulmonologist and Lung Specialist with 19 years of medical experience. He graduated from Allama Iqbal Medical College in 2002 and earned FCPS and MCPS from CPSP, Pakistan. He further specialized with a Certification in Respiratory Medicine from the Royal College of London, UK. Currently serving as Associate Professor, Dr. Musharaf is recognized for his expertise in pulmonary care, respiratory medicine, and patient-centered clinical practice.

Dr. Waqas Aslam is an Assistant Professor of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. He is also associated with Iqraa Medical Complex (Ext), where he practices as a pulmonologist, reflecting his active role across multiple institutions. With expertise in critical care and pulmonary medicine, he provides specialized treatment for respiratory disorders. Patients can book appointments through online platforms such as Marham.pk, InstaCare.pk, or Shifaam.com for accessible consultation services.

Prof. Dr. Sanaullah Iqbal is Professor (Tenured) and Chairman, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, UVAS Lahore. He earned his PhD in Food Biotechnology with distinction from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria. His research focuses on functional foods, probiotics, and prebiotics, particularly galacto-oligosaccharides. With numerous publications, international presentations, and supervision of postgraduate students, he has also completed funded projects, contributing significantly to food biotechnology and human nutrition research.

Prof. Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali is Professor (Tenured) & Chairman, Department of Food Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore. He earned his PhD in Food Safety & Toxicology from Nanjing Agricultural University, China. With over 1,800 citations, an h-index of 23, and extensive teaching and research experience, he has supervised multiple PhD and MPhil theses. His research focuses on food safety, toxicology, functional foods, and quality assurance in food processing and storage.

Prof. Dr. M. Tauseef Sultan is a distinguished academic serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Human Nutrition at Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan. With extensive expertise in human nutrition and dietetics, he has been leading the department since its establishment in 2015, mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students, and advancing research in public health nutrition, clinical dietetics, and functional foods. He is also the official departmental contact, actively promoting education and awareness in nutrition and health sciences.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umair Arshad is a seasoned academic and researcher in Food Science, currently serving as Professor and Director of Food Science, Faculty of Life Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in 2008 and completed a Postdoctorate (2014–2016) abroad. With extensive teaching, research, and administrative experience at G.C. University Faisalabad and the University of Sargodha, he has contributed significantly through publications, supervision, and leadership in food science and nutrition education.

Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha is Dean and Professor at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. With over two decades of academic and research experience, he specializes in Food Science, Nutrition, Grain Science, Food Fortification, and Food Analysis. He has authored 46 journal articles and 11 books, supervised advanced research, and contributed extensively to food security initiatives. Currently, he also serves as Central Project Director, Pak-Korea Nutrition Centre (PKNC).

Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Riaz is an accomplished Nephrologist holding MBBS, FCPS in Nephrology, and ISN Fellowship in Peritoneal Dialysis & Interventional Nephrology (Peking University, Beijing). He serves as Assistant Professor and Head of the Nephrology Department at Abu Umara Medical & Dental College, Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore. Additionally, he is Head of the Dialysis Unit at Iqraa Medical Complex and a Visiting Consultant at Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, contributing extensively to renal care and dialysis services.

Dr. Zeeshan Malik is a skilled Cardiologist at Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, with over 8 years of professional experience. He specializes in primary and elective angioplasty, cardiac emergencies, echocardiography, and interventional cardiology procedures including temporary pacing and pericardiocentesis. Currently serving as Senior Registrar/Medical Officer, he also leads a team of 13 interventionists in primary PCI, focusing on training and round-the-clock cardiac care. He earned his MBBS from Punjab Medical College and Fellowship in Cardiology at PIC.

Dr. Zaheer Sherazi is a highly experienced Consultant Interventional Radiologist and Clinical Director of Radiology at Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS), Lahore. With over three decades in radiology, he has served in leading hospitals across the UK, including Pennine Acute NHS Trust, Manchester and Princess Royal University Hospital, Kent, as well as Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, Lahore. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists, UK, with expertise in diagnostic and interventional radiology, teaching, and departmental leadership.

Dr. Muhammad Aamir Khan is a PMDC-verified Consultant Radiologist with over 23 years of professional experience. He holds an MBBS from Sindh University Jamshoro, FRCR from the Royal College of Radiologists, London (UK), and a DMRD from Punjab University, Lahore. Currently serving as a Consultant Radiologist at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, he specializes in advanced diagnostic imaging and has earned recognition for his patient-focused care.

Dr. Mahrukh Latif is an Associate Professor at the University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology. She has contributed to several high-impact international research publications, including studies in The Lancet, The British Journal of Radiology, Genes & Diseases, and Medicine. Her research spans topics such as global mortality and life expectancy patterns, imaging of spinal tumors, cancer biology, and musculoskeletal radiology. With a strong academic and clinical background, she continues to advance knowledge in diagnostic radiology and medical imaging.

Prof. Dr. Farhan Rasheed, MBBS, M.Phil, FCPS (Microbiology), CHPE, is a distinguished Professor of Pathology at the Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. With 76 publications, over 22,500 reads, and nearly 500 citations, he is recognized for his expertise in antimicrobials, diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance. He also serves as a Clinical Microbiologist at Allama Iqbal Medical College. His research addresses emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and diagnostic innovations in microbiology.

Dr. Inam Ullah, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Forensic Science at The University of Lahore, with research expertise in Forensic Genetics, Ancient DNA, Touch DNA, and Dental Anthropology. He earned his PhD from Hazara University with an IRSIP fellowship at the University of Copenhagen. With 33 publications (956 citations, h-index 12), he has secured HEC-funded research grants and collaborates internationally on archaeogenetics projects, including studies with Prof. Eske (Denmark) and Dr. Maanasa Raghavan (USA).

Dr. Syed Zeeshan Haider is the Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB/CRiMM), University of Lahore. He earned his PhD and M.Phil in Molecular Biology from Quaid-i-Azam University and completed a research fellowship at Harvard-MIT, USA. With extensive academic and professional experience, including roles as Assistant Professor and Visiting Scientist, his expertise spans molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology. Dr. Haider has significantly contributed to advancing biomedical research and academic development in Pakistan.

Dr. Hasnain Javed, PhD, is an accomplished Molecular Biologist and Associate Professor with over 20 years of expertise in diagnostics and infectious disease research. He leads the Provincial Public Health Reference Lab, Punjab AIDS Control Program, and serves as focal person for COVID-19 PCR testing in Punjab. His research spans immunology, genomics, molecular diagnostics, and epidemiology. An IFBA-certified Bio Risk Management professional, he actively supervises PhD/M.Phil students and contributes to global public health initiatives.

Dr. Mohsin Khurshid, Ph.D. (GCU Faisalabad), is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad. With advanced qualifications from Quaid-i-Azam University, University of Karachi, and University of the Punjab, he has made significant contributions in microbiology, virology, and probiotics research. His publications in high-impact journals focus on antimicrobial resistance, cancer therapeutics, and vaccine development. Dr. Khurshid is recognized for his academic excellence, international collaborations, and commitment to advancing life sciences.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Salman Bashir is Dean, School of Health Sciences and Professor of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at the University of Management & Technology (UMT), Lahore. A Gold Medalist and PhD graduate from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with an M.Phil. from King Edward Medical University, he has over 17 years of academic, clinical, and administrative experience. Dr. Bashir has supervised more than 85 research theses, co-supervised PhD scholars, and authored over 100 publications in reputed journals. His expertise lies in manual therapy, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, biomechanics, AI in healthcare, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. He has held leadership roles at the University of Lahore and Riphah International University, spearheading postgraduate program development and research innovation.

Dr. Muhammad Umar, PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, is Director of the Institute of Allied Health Sciences at Rawalpindi Medical University. With over 45 publications, his research focuses on neurorehabilitation, public health, and innovative stroke therapies, including virtual reality, task-specific training, and advanced physiotherapy techniques. He has conducted multiple randomized controlled trials on motor recovery, upper and lower limb rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal therapies. His academic leadership and research contributions are advancing evidence-based rehabilitation practices in Pakistan.