By – Farooq Mirza
The President of the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA) has revealed details of his high-level meeting with Pakistan’s Minister of Planning during the organization’s recent convention, outlining ambitious healthcare collaboration proposals while also advocating for the imprisoned former Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid and broader human rights protections for Pakistani citizens.
In an address to APPNA members, the president explained that he deliberately arranged the meeting with the Planning Minister and his delegation, accompanied by APPNA’s Board of Directors and several committee chairs. He emphasized that the engagement was driven by a clear agenda focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan.
The president Babar Rao highlighted three major initiatives,
1-Establishment of an International Medical School in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.
2- Creation of specialized Autism Centers across Pakistan.
3- Launch of a comprehensive Stroke Initiative to improve treatment and prevention services.
Babar noted that formal letters outlining these proposals had already been sent to Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and senior health administrators prior to the meeting. The discussion with the Planning Minister was intended to secure high-level government support and coordination for these projects.
The President directly addressed the case of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a senior physician and former Health Minister of Punjab who is currently imprisoned. Expressing concern over her age and health condition, he appealed for humanitarian relief:
> “We have a doctor, an elderly respected lady, Yasmeen Rashid. I don’t know what the case against her is… Our request is that this poor lady should at least be given house arrest while her case proceeds.”
Babar further noted that Dr. Rashid was also an APPNA member and urged authorities to provide her some relief, especially as reports indicate she is suffering from cancer.
The President also raised the broader issue of political victimization and human rights in Pakistan. He pointed out that many members of the Pakistani diaspora in North America regularly receive distress calls from relatives facing alleged political persecution by law enforcement.
He requested the establishment of a clear, accessible mechanism or channel through which affected families could seek redress without having to protest outside embassies:
> “If someone calls us saying their sister or daughter has been mistreated by the police because of political affiliation… we want to know what route they should take. Where should they file a complaint in Pakistan?”
The remarks were warmly received by APPNA members, who applauded the mention of Dr. Yasmin Rashid. The Planning Minister reportedly acknowledged the requests during the discussion.
This intervention reflects APPNA’s growing role not only in advancing medical education and healthcare delivery in Pakistan but also in serving as a voice for the Pakistani diaspora on humanitarian and human rights issues.
The organization has been actively working on these healthcare projects and is expected to follow up with Pakistani authorities to convert the discussed proposals into actionable programs.
