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Pakistan Day: Hamdard's legacy of service and nation building
Hamdard Pakistan’s enduring commitment to health, knowledge, and community reflects the spirit of the Pakistan Resolution
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 11:19 AM
Some dates belong not only to history but to the continuing life of a nation. March 23rd is one such date. In 1940, the Pakistan Resolution expressed the aspirations of a people determined to shape their own political and cultural future. For Pakistanis today, Pakistan Day is more than a historical milestone. It is a moment to reflect on how the ideals of that resolution continue to guide the nation’s journey.
The vision articulated in Lahore did not end with the creation of Pakistan in 1947. It began a longer process. Institutions had to be built that would strengthen society, expand opportunity, and serve the wellbeing of the people. Education, healthcare, intellectual life, and community welfare all became part of that national responsibility.
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In many ways, the story of Hamdard Pakistan reflects that spirit of service.
A vision inspired by the Pakistan Resolution
When Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said migrated to Pakistan on January 9, 1948, the country was still shaping its institutions. A physician, scholar, and humanitarian, he began his journey from a modest rented shop in Karachi’s Arambagh area, establishing Hamdard Dawakhana with the aim of serving people through traditional medicine.
From these modest beginnings grew an institution that would become one of Pakistan’s most renowned names in healthcare and wellness.
Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said believed that healing was inseparable from the broader task of building a healthy society. His vision for Hamdard extended beyond medicine. It was grounded in the belief that knowledge, compassion, and responsible enterprise could contribute to national progress.
An institution dedicated to service
A defining moment in Hamdard’s dedicated history came when Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said, ensured that its work would permanently serve charitable and social purposes.
Today, Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, supports initiatives across several areas:
Healthcare
Education
Community welfare
Youth development
The revenues generated by Hamdard’s commercial activities support programmes designed to benefit society. The model reflects a philosophy in which enterprise and public responsibility are closely connected.
Trusted wellness for generations
Over the decades, Hamdard Pakistan has become widely recognised for its herbal medicines and natural wellness products. Many of its remedies draw upon the classical principles of Tibb-e-Unani, built upon centuries of accumulated knowledge. Among Hamdard’s most iconic products is Rooh Afza, first formulated in 1906. Its familiar presence at iftar tables, family gatherings, and summer afternoons has made it part of the cultural fabric of everyday life.
For many Pakistanis, Rooh Afza represents more than a refreshing drink. It is associated with hospitality, shared traditions, and moments that bring people together. Yet Hamdard’s contribution to society extends far beyond any single product. From its earliest years, the organisation has pursued a broader mission. It has sought to promote health in ways that reach individuals, families, and communities.
From wellness to wellbeing
At the heart of Hamdard’s philosophy lies a simple idea. Health must be understood in its fullest sense.
The organisation’s guiding principle, “Wellness to Wellbeing,” reflects this perspective. True wellbeing is shaped not only by remedies and treatments but also by nutrition, education, knowledge, and social support. Through this philosophy, Hamdard’s work extends beyond healthcare products into a wider range of services and initiatives designed to improve quality of life.
Expanding into everyday nutrition: The launch of Hamdard Foods
Continuing this philosophy, Hamdard Pakistan has expanded into the food sector with the launch of Hamdard Foods.
This initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that wellbeing begins not only with medicines but also with everyday nutrition and healthy living. By introducing products designed to bring natural ingredients and trusted quality into daily diets, Hamdard seeks to strengthen the connection between preventive care and lifestyle.
Healthcare that reaches communities
Hamdard’s commitment to service extends far beyond its products. Through Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, the organisation supports a network of healthcare initiatives designed to reach communities across the country.
These include:
Hamdard University Hospital Taj Medical Complex
Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital
Shifa-ul-Mulk Memorial Hospital
Hamdard Mobile Dispensaries
These programmes are guided by a clear principle. Access to healthcare should not be limited by geography or economic circumstance. Mobile dispensaries throughout Pakistan bring medical assistance directly to underserved populations, while hospitals and clinics provide essential care to thousands of patients every year. Through these initiatives, Hamdard continues to strengthen its mission of improving public health across Pakistan.
Education as a pillar of nation building
Education has long been another cornerstone of Hamdard Pakistan.
Hamdard University, founded by Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said in 1991, reflects his belief that knowledge plays a central role in shaping the future of any nation. Located within Madinat Al-Hikmah (City of Education, Science and Culture) and supported by additional campuses including Islamabad, the University provides opportunities for higher learning across a wide range of disciplines.
Beyond formal education, Hamdard Foundation Pakistan supports programmes that encourage civic awareness and intellectual engagement among young people.
These include:
Hamdard Naunehal Assembly, which encourages dialogue and leadership among students
Hamdard Shura, a forum where scholars and thinkers discuss issues affecting the country’s future
Together, these initiatives reflect Hamdard’s belief that national progress depends not only on economic growth but also on an informed and engaged citizenry.
Honouring a legacy: The shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said Awards
A milestone in Hamdard’s institutional journey is the Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said Awards.
Established in honour of Hamdard’s founder, the awards recognise individuals and institutions whose work reflects excellence in education, healthcare, sports, research, literature, and public service.
A recent ceremony brought together distinguished scholars, national leaders, and public figures. Highlighting Hakim Mohammed Said’s vision of intellectual leadership and service to humanity.
By celebrating contributions to knowledge, culture, and social progress, these awards reinforce the values that have shaped Hamdard’s work for decades.
Leadership that continues the legacy
Under the leadership of Sadia Rashid, Chairperson, Hamdard Group Pakistan, the institution continues to expand its contributions while remaining faithful to the ideals established by its founder.
Her stewardship has significantly strengthened Hamdard’s work making impactful strides in core categories of healthcare, education and culture.
In recognition of her efforts to promote cultural relations between Pakistan and Japan, the Government of Japan conferred upon her the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2019. Her contribution to education and public service were further acknowledged when she received Pakistan’s Award – Hilal-i-Imtiaz on March 23, 2025.
These honours reflect the broader impact of Hamdard’s work as an institution committed to national development.
Carrying the spirit of March 23rd forward
The Pakistan Resolution of 1940 represented a vision for a nation grounded in dignity, opportunity, and collective progress.
Realising that vision requires institutions that strengthen communities, expand access to knowledge, and improve everyday life. For more than seven decades, Hamdard Pakistan has contributed to that effort through initiatives rooted in service and guided by the ideals of its founder.
As Pakistan marks another March 23rd, Hamdard Pakistan celebrates the enduring spirit of the nation and the shared values that continue to unite its people. The most meaningful tribute to a nation’s founding vision lies not only in remembering it but in continuing the work that carries society from wellness to wellbeing.
Love Pakistan. Build Pakistan
Hamdard Pakistan – wellness to wellbeing.
