Islamabad
Allama Iqbal Open University(AIOU) has announced the launch of a specialized certificate program in Elderly Care from the Spring 2027 semester in response to the growing social need for trained caregivers and elderly support professionals. The initiative was highlighted during the inaugural session of a three-day training workshop organized for the development of the course curriculum. The ceremony was chaired by Dean Faculty of Sciences, Prof. Dr. Sher Muhammad.
Speaking at the workshop, experts emphasized that the rising number of elderly people in Pakistan and across the world has created an urgent demand for professional caregiving services. They described the proposed program as a timely and much-needed initiative that would not only address an important social challenge but also create new educational and employment opportunities for young people.
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shadrach, Director of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) joined the workshop online from New Delhi. Other prominent speakers included Chairman of Nutrition Sciences and Environmental Design Dr. Zaheer Ahmad, renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Khaliq-uz-Zaman, CEO of LIGHT Pakistan Dr. Tariq Cheema, Additional Director Oric, Dr. Saima Nasir, Dr. Hajra Ahmed and Director of International Collaboration and Exchange Dr. Zahid Majeed.
During the discussions, participants proposed the inclusion of a wide range of subjects in the curriculum including psychology, human behavior, nutrition, mental and physical health, emotional support and social care for senior citizens. The speakers stressed that the course should provide comprehensive practical and theoretical training so students can effectively address every aspect of elderly care.
The workshop participants also expressed their commitment to designing the course according to modern academic and international professional standards. They noted that graduates of the program would be equipped to provide quality elderly care services both in Pakistan and abroad. The speakers described the initiative as a significant step toward promoting dignity, compassion and improved quality of life for elderly members of society.
