In collaboration with Aga Khan University, the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi presided over Pakistan's inaugural Clinical Trials Summit (CTSP) of Pakistan 2025. The five-day conference in Rawalpindi and Karachi brought together experts from Pakistan and worldwide to share their insights and experiences. As part of the summit, a Clinical Trials Symposium occurred on February 14, 2025, at Army Medical College, Rawalpindi. The event was graced by Lt Gen Arshad Naseem, HI(M), Surgeon General/DGMS (IS), Pakistan Army, as the Chief Guest.
The symposium commenced with reciting the Holy Quran and the National Anthem. Prof. Dr. Saleem Ahmed Khan, ED (R&C), NUMS, delivered an address highlighting NUMS' Clinical Research Initiatives. This was followed by a compelling discussion by Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Abdul Rehman on pathways to achieving excellence in clinical research, drawing insights from Malaysia and their potential implementation in Pakistan. Miss Shilan Sedighi further elaborated on gold standards in clinical trials and best practices that could be adopted to enhance research quality.
During the symposium, it was emphasized that the global clinical trials industry is valued at $70 billion, with Pakistan currently holding a negligible share. The conference aimed to support Pakistani scientists in meeting international standards. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Lt Gen Arshad Naseem, HI(M), Surgeon General/DGMS (IS), said, "Clinical trials are the backbone of modern medicine, transforming treatments and lives globally. For Pakistan, they are not just about innovation but a critical pathway to addressing our unique health challenges."
The conference witnessed an impressive turnout of nearly 300 participants. The summit featured a series of insightful discussions for professional development. Following the grand summit, pre-conference workshops were held at Pearl Continental on February 15, 2025, with additional sessions scheduled at Aga Khan University (AKU) on February 17-18, 2025.
The esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Wasim Alamgir, HI(M), (Retd), along with the Chief Guest, presented souvenirs to the guest speakers in recognition of their valuable contributions to the summit. The summit provided Pakistan with a platform to strengthen collaboration for the growth of the global clinical research industry.
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