The 48th Annual Convention of APPNA (Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America), the most influential and dynamic organization representing Pakistani-American doctors, concluded in a magnificent and memorable fashion in Dallas, Texas. This vibrant four-day gathering brought together over 4,000 physicians from the US, Canada, Pakistan, and other nations, alongside their families, community leaders, experts, youth, entrepreneurs, and elected officials.
The convention commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan, the US, and Canada. Dr. Humaira Qamar, APPNA President, and Sanaullah, Secretary, highlighted the organization’s yearly accomplishments and articulated the convention’s purpose and vision.
A rich variety of academic, charitable, cultural, and entertainment programs characterized the four-day event. These included Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions, scientific lectures, professional workshops for physicians, specialized boutique services for women, exhibitions by renowned Pakistani brands, youth leadership workshops, debates, match-making events, and patriotic and social programs such as “I Love Pakistan” and “SAYA.”
During the convention, special accolades were bestowed upon Dr. Abdul Bari, founder of Indus Hospital, and Dr. Adeeb Rizvi, head of SIUT (Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation), in recognition of their exceptional contributions to healthcare, welfare, and social service within Pakistan.
At the main gala, prominent oil magnate Syed Javed Anwar commended APPNA’s philanthropic endeavors and announced a generous donation of $300,000 to support its charitable missions. He lauded APPNA as an exemplary representation of Pakistani physicians globally, noting their dedication not only to medicine but also to advancing the cause of humanity.
The cultural zenith of the convention featured captivating performances by legendary Pakistani singers Atif Aslam, Ahmed Jahanzeb, Arif Lohar, and Sanam Marvi, who enthralled the audience with their music. Traditional cuisine, vibrant cultural displays, and a high-profile fashion show showcasing the creations of top Pakistani designers transformed the convention into a lively and unforgettable celebration.
Dr. Naeem TahirKhaili, a senior leader within APPNA, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the cultural and entertainment activities for doctors and their families, significantly contributing to the convention’s resounding success.
On this occasion, Dr. Khurram Siddiqui, a key figure in APPNA’s committee supporting incoming Pakistani physicians, shared that over 1,000 doctors from Pakistan had successfully secured their U.S. visas and are soon to begin medical residencies across various hospitals in America. He emphasized that APPNA had provided continuous support to these doctors, making this achievement a substantial milestone for the younger generation of Pakistani physicians.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, also graced the convention, addressing the audience on the importance of bilateral cooperation in healthcare and the vital role of the Pakistani-American community. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the diaspora and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting them.
Other distinguished attendees included oil tycoon Syed Javed Anwar, Democratic Party leader and prominent businessman Tahir Javed, mayors from various cities, community leaders, professionals, and media representatives from across the U.S.
The APPNA 2025 convention serves not only as a hub of medicine, research, and philanthropy but also as a powerful reflection of Pakistani culture and community unity.
