Pakistani-born British cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan is expected to take a senior leadership role in Pakistan’s health sector as head of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, according to officials.
Dr Khan has accepted the offer and is set to serve as both dean and chief executive officer of the institute, sources said. The move is being seen as a major appointment for cardiac care in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province.
Dr Farqad Alamgir, chairman of the Punjab chief minister’s advisory committee on cardiology, said Dr. Khan was selected after a formal interview process.
He said the surgeon was eager to bring his experience and skills back to Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Punjab officials said the appointment is part of wider efforts to strengthen institutional leadership and improve specialized heart treatment standards.
Specialized Healthcare Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq described Dr Khan as a highly accomplished surgeon whose international experience is expected to benefit patients in the province and beyond.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also met Dr Khan and congratulated him on taking charge of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, according to an official statement.
During the meeting, the two discussed administrative matters related to the newly constructed institute, the statement said.
Maryam said she welcomed Dr Khan’s decision to return from England to serve people in Pakistan.
She said the provincial government was working to provide high-quality cardiac treatment facilities not only to residents of Punjab but to people across Pakistan.
She also said the government wanted Punjab to become a hub for medical tourism.
Who is Dr Hasnat Khan?
Dr Khan was born in Jhelum in 1958 and studied medicine at King Edward Medical College before continuing his career in the United Kingdom.
He later worked at Royal Brompton Hospital in London, where he developed a reputation in cardiothoracic surgery.
Outside medicine, Dr Khan drew worldwide public attention in the 1990s because of his relationship with Princess Diana after the two met during her hospital visit in 1995.
Their association, widely covered by international media at the time, remained largely private.
The story gained renewed global attention in recent years through the Netflix drama series The Crown, in which Pakistani actor Humayun Saeed portrayed Dr Khan.
Officials said further details regarding Dr Khan’s formal assumption of office and future plans for the institute are expected soon.
His expected appointment comes as Pakistan continues efforts to improve public healthcare infrastructure and specialist treatment capacity.
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