ISLAMABAD
A grand and dignified ceremony was held at the Health Services Academy in Islamabad to commemorate International Nursing Day, honouring the invaluable contributions of nurses to the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by distinguished representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (Pak-EEF), and other esteemed institutions.
To mark the occasion, a ceremonial cake-cutting was held in recognition of the dedication and compassion shown by nurses across the nation.
In his keynote address, Asif Iqbal Khattak, Secretary of the Pakistan Nursing Council, paid glowing tribute to the tireless efforts and selfless service of nurses, describing them as the “backbone of the healthcare system.” He emphasized the pivotal role nurses play in patient care and healthcare delivery, particularly during times of crisis.
Participants also highlighted the evolving landscape of the nursing profession in Pakistan, noting a significant rise in the number of male nurses, reflecting global trends of gender diversity in nursing.
A notable moment of the ceremony was the recognition of Pakistan Education Endowment Fund’s (Pak-EEF) fully funded scholarships, which support nursing education from Bachelor’s to Ph.D. levels. Attendees praised Pak-EEF’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional development of nurses and equipping them for global opportunities.
Pak-EEF has recently launched a groundbreaking project to prepare Pakistani nurses for the NCLEX examination – a critical qualification for international nursing careers. “Pak-EEF, in collaboration with relevant international organizations, has facilitated the establishment of Pakistan’s first NCLEX examination center — a landmark achievement aimed at supporting thousands of nurses in their pursuit of international employment opportunities
A representative from the Overseas Employment Corporation remarked on the surging global demand for Pakistani nurses, particularly in countries like Germany and the United States.
Currently, 36,000 nurses are being trained annually in Pakistan, a workforce that can be aligned with international standards and deployed globally, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and reducing domestic unemployment.
The Pakistan Nursing Council also underscored the importance of enhancing nursing education, calling for a stronger focus on laboratory training and soft skills development to meet modern healthcare demands.
Concluding the ceremony, participants lauded the spirit of service, compassion, and commitment exemplified by nurses.
