PCS Karachi charts 2026 course for heart health

New e-bulletin launched; experts stress research-led prevention and stronger inter-body collaboration

IV Report

KARACHI: The Karachi chapter of the Pakistan Cardiac Society (PCS) last week outlined its strategic roadmap for 2026 at a session titled “Clinical Innovation & Strategic Continuity,” held at the Tabba Heart Institute.

The meeting brought together leading cardiologists and healthcare stakeholders to align priorities around clinical innovation, research, and institutional collaboration in cardiovascular care.

Proceedings were moderated by Dr Aliya Kemal Ahsan, who also announced the launch of “The Karachi Beat,” an e-bulletin aimed at improving clinical communication and sharing emerging research within the cardiology community.

Speaking about the initiative, Chief Editor Dr Akram Sultan and Editor Dr Aliya Kemal said separately that the publication—also referred to as “Heart Beat”—was envisioned as more than an academic outlet. “It is a platform for connection, communication and progress, focusing on key developments in cardiac care in southern Pakistan,” they said, adding that it would also serve as a link between clinicians and policymakers to help translate clinical insights into informed health decisions.

Setting the tone for the session, PCS Karachi Coordinator Dr Akram Sultan presented the chapter’s strategic vision for 2026, emphasising institutional growth, leadership engagement and professional excellence. Building on this, General Secretary Dr Riffat Sultana shared a detailed operational roadmap outlining planned activities and structural goals for the coming year.

The clinical agenda featured prominently, with Dr Bashir Hanif highlighting the urgency of research-driven cardiovascular prevention programmes and stressing the need for immediate action to address the growing disease burden. In a keynote address, Prof Fawad Farooq underscored the importance of evidence-based practice and sustained innovation in improving patient outcomes.

The session also highlighted inter-organisational collaboration, with speakers including Dr Salman Ghauri of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) and Dr Ismail Memon of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) discussing efforts to strengthen cooperation among professional bodies, according to a press release.

Additional contributions came from senior clinicians including Dr Mansoor Ahmed, Dr Khan Shah E Zaman, Dr Najma Patel, Prof Hasanat Sharif, Dr Khalida Somroo and Dr Gul Hassan Brohi.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session on upcoming workshops and collaborative initiatives, followed by closing remarks from a representative of BMJ Pakistan. The event ended with a group photograph of PCS Karachi members, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing cardiology practice in the year ahead.

Photo source: PCS Karachi

 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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