By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: In a landmark initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Republic of Türkiye, Bukhari Group of Companies, under the leadership of Brig. (R) Sardar Sajjad Hussain, Group CEO of Bukhari Group, and the Ibni Sina Institute signed a Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Bukhari Group Head Office in Karachi.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in medical tourism, healthy ageing, longevity, healthcare investment, medical education, innovation, digital health, and sustainable healthcare development. It also reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and people-centered healthcare.
The signing ceremony brought together distinguished government officials, healthcare leaders, academics, business executives, representatives of civil society organizations, and members of the national and international media.
The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Fayaz Ali Shah, Managing Director, Tourism, Government of Sindh, who attended as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks, he welcomed the partnership and emphasized Pakistan’s growing potential to become a regional hub for medical tourism. He highlighted the importance of international collaborations in enhancing healthcare quality, attracting foreign investment, and promoting Pakistan as a preferred destination for medical and wellness services.
Speaking on behalf of the Ibni Sina Institute, Gerontologist Dr. Kemal Aydın, President of the Institute, stated that the partnership represents a new chapter in Pakistan–Türkiye relations.
“Pakistan and Türkiye share deep historical, cultural, and brotherly ties. This strategic partnership goes beyond medical tourism. It creates a platform for scientific cooperation, innovation, healthy ageing, healthcare diplomacy, and sustainable development. Together, we aim to build a healthier future for our societies.”
Speaking on the occasion, Brig. (R) Sardar Sajjad Hussain, Group CEO of Bukhari Group, stated, “This partnership reflects our vision of positioning Pakistan as a leading destination for medical tourism and healthcare innovation. Together with the Ibni Sina Institute, we are committed to strengthening Pakistan–Türkiye cooperation through the Silk Road vision, the D-8 platform, and other global initiatives that promote healthy ageing, healthcare excellence, sustainable development, and economic prosperity.”
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, both organizations agreed to collaborate in several strategic areas, including:
- Development of the Pakistan–Türkiye Medical Tourism Corridor;
- Healthy Ageing and Longevity initiatives;
- Hospital at Home and Community-Based Healthcare Programs;
- Telemedicine, Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence applications;
- Joint healthcare investment and innovation projects;
- Professional training for physicians, nurses and healthcare workers;
- Academic cooperation, research and institutional partnerships;
- Exchange of healthcare professionals, researchers and students;
- Organization of international conferences, exhibitions and scientific forums;
- Wellness, rehabilitation and age-friendly tourism initiatives.
Representatives of Bukhari Group reaffirmed their commitment, under the leadership of Brig. (R) Sardar Sajjad Hussain, to working closely with the Ibni Sina Institute to promote Pakistan’s healthcare sector internationally while strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
The partners also announced their intention to jointly support several international initiatives, including the Silk Road Health Initiative, the World Healthy Ageing Conference, the World Longevity Forum, the Health, Ageing, Development and Environment (HADE) Forum, and future D-8 Health and Medical Tourism initiatives, creating new opportunities for regional and global collaboration.
The MoU is expected to facilitate the exchange of expertise, encourage investment, support healthcare innovation, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals through stronger international partnerships.
Both organizations expressed confidence that this strategic alliance will serve as a model for future Pakistan–Türkiye cooperation and will significantly contribute to medical excellence, healthcare diplomacy, economic development, and the well-being of communities in both countries.
