Karachi – May 12, 2026: The Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ziauddin University, celebrated International Nurses Day 2026 under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, nursing leaders, and students to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of nurses and midwives toward strengthening healthcare systems and patient care.
The event aimed to highlight the role of nurses in delivering compassionate and quality healthcare while paying tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
On this occasion, addressing the audience, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University, stated, “Healthcare systems cannot be imagined without nurses. When a patient reaches a hospital, the first face of humanity they often encounter is that of a nurse, bringing comfort, care, and empathy during difficult moments. Nursing is not just a profession but a globally respected responsibility that reflects sincerity, compassion, and dedication towards humanity and the community.”
Delivering her remarks, Deputy Director at the Directorate of Nursing Sindh, Fakhrunnisa, said, “Nursing offers opportunities through three dimensions: profession, passion, and worship. It is a field that not only builds careers but also serves humanity with compassion and sincerity. Through faculty development initiatives and collaborations with renowned institutions, the Government of Sindh is committed to empowering nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to strengthen the healthcare system and save lives.”
Sharing an online message, José Luis Cobos, President of the International Council of Nurses, emphasized that empowering nurses means ensuring safe working environments, recognizing their expertise, and strengthening their role in healthcare leadership and decision-making. Referring to the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” he urged governments and healthcare institutions worldwide to invest meaningfully in the nursing workforce for a healthier and safer future.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tushnamaity Patel, Ceo, Al-Hamd International Container Terminal (Pvt) Ltd (AICT) and Pakistan’s first female rally race driver, remarked, “The theme is not merely a slogan but a reality witnessed throughout the years. Nursing remains the backbone of healthcare, and empowering nurses is not optional but a necessity. Where nurses are empowered, healthcare systems become stronger. Never underestimate the power of empathy in patient care.”
Highlighting the significance of International Nurses Day 2026, Prof. Dr. Sumaira Khowaja-Punjwani, Principal, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ziauddin University spoke about the increasing demand for nurses and midwives and the critical role they play in preventing medical tragedies through timely and skilled care.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Pamela Marshall, Dean, noted that empowering nurses through education, research, and collaboration is essential now more than ever and reflects what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships.
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion with distinguished panelists including Dr. Badil Das, Associate Professor at Dow University of Health Sciences; Dr. Yasmin Amarsi, advisor to the Chancellor, Ziauddin University; Afshan Nazly, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ziauddin University, Associate Professor; and Fakhrunnisa, Deputy Director at the Directorate of Nursing Sindh. The discussion emphasized the importance of nursing leadership, education, workforce empowerment, and compassionate care in addressing modern healthcare challenges.
The ceremony concluded with a lamp-lighting ceremony and oath-taking session, symbolizing compassion, dedication, and commitment to the noble nursing profession.
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Amir Shahzad
Head of PR & Communications
Ziauddin University
