AFIP Rawalpindi

Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi is a premier reference diagnostic laboratory of the Pakistan Armed Forces. It is situated near Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi.

Vision and Mision

Besides providing diagnostic facilities, it is also responsible for training of pathologists and laboratory technologists; and for carrying out research and development in various disciplines of pathology.

History

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Station hospital facilities were developed for the Indian troops initially. They depended for their medical treatment entirely on their regimental hospitals. In October 1918, Station Hospitals were sanctioned for the Indian troops. The Indian Hospital Corps (IHC) initially was divided into 10 Division Companies, which corresponded to the 10 existing Military Divisions in India and Burma. They were located at Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Quetta, Mhow, Poona, Meerut, Lucknow, Secunderabad and Rangoon. The whole corps was re-organised on command basis during the year 1929-32 and thus there were five companies of the IHC in 1932, No 1 Company at Rawalpindi, No 2 Company at Lucknow, No 3 Company at Poona. No 4 Company at Quetta and No 5 Company at Rangoon. The World War II was responsible for rapid developments. The idea of having a homogeneous corps by amalgamating IMS, IMD gradually took shape and Indian Army Medical Corps (IAMC) came into being on 03 Apr 1943. The medical institutions of the IAMC were concentrated in the area, which was to subsequently become Pakistan.

The British Raj in India had left its legacies in the territory, which later became Pakistan. The bulk of the troops of the British Indian Army was recruited from the areas, which became Pakistan. The threats of the Russian empire and a fear of Afghans and Central Asians overrunning the Indian territory had made the British rulers wary of the northwestern borders across the Hindu Kush mountains. The army was deployed at large scale. Rawalpindi was the pivotal military base, from where they controlled the command, logistics and services provided to those troops. It was the Headqurters, Northern Command India. Therefore, the city had many offices and institutes located there.

Armed Forces Medical Services were one of the most organized and highly developed support services in the British Indian Army. The members of the medical profession served in the IMS (Indian Medical Services), with pride and dignity. The senior jobs in civil medical services were also reserved for the medical professionals of the army.

The troops of British Indian Army were deployed over an extensive area. They exposed to the tropical climate. They were present in the heights of Chitral in the north-west to Burma in the east. The major bulk of their health related problems were of tropical infections and parasitic infestation. The medical services were committed for the prevention and treatment of tropical diseases. The diagnosis of these diseases was based upon the rudimentary laboratory service. The need for pathology services was, therefore, recognized even in those days. A well organised and up to the mark pathology organization was established. That was the time when experienced pathologists, especially, those dealing with the tropical pathology, served in IMS.

As we mentioned earlier, Rawalpindi was the Headquarters of the northern Command of the India. Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and Military Hospital (MM) were the largest and the most well-equipped hospitals in this area at that time. Along side these major hospitals and field medical services, a pathology laboratory, the Command Laboratory, Northern Command, was established. This was indeed the best Armed Forces laboratory, which the newly independent Pakistan inherited from the British India in 1947.

Lt Col Sarup Narayan was the first Commanding Officer of this laboratory, at the time of independence. He originally belonged to Rawalpindi area and had happily opted to stay and serve in Pakistan. However, due to obvious reasons, he felt it difficult to continue living in Pakistan and he had to migrate to India for personal reasons. He was a very brilliant, hardworking and well mannered pathologist. He ultimately rose to the rank of Lt General in the Indian Army Medical Corps and was appointed as the Director of Medical Services (Research).

After the independence, Pakistan Army Medical Corps (AMC) was established from the fragmented available resources (monetary as well as personnel). Two senior IMS officers, Lt Gen S.M.A. Faruki and Lt Gen W.A.K. Burki, played a key role in early formative years of AMC. Shortly afterwards the Command Lab. at Rawalpindi was raised to the status of the Central Military Pathological Laboratory (CMPL). This cumbersome name was a legacy of the mother unit of the same name at Poona (India).

The CMPL had started its existence in a small premises as a Central Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory for the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Apart from being a diagnostic laboratory, it was also given the task of production of some reagents and bio-products. This was the modest beginning and the services were gradually evolved into a comprehensive institute, which is now called as Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP). It had very basic equipment, limited infrastructure and the tests used were conventional and very basic ones.

Initially, the laboratory had a dearth of trained manpower. A limited number of medical officers serving in the Indian Army had been trained as pathologists during the Second World War. Even a fewer out of them were inherited by the Pakistan Army; none of these pathologists held postgraduate qualifications. A sound and strong pathology service was established by a very dedicated and diligent physician, Colonel (later Maj Gen) M Akram, who was appointed as Commandant of CMPL in October 1947. He possessed a membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (MRCPE) and also held diplomas in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H), and Public Health (DPH), from London. In his capacity of an eminent physician, he had a wide experience of the health problems of the region. During his difficult task of laying the foundations of sound pathology, he had to work very hard. Col Akram was well known for his virtues of simplicity, clarity of mind, purity of soul, dedication to the duty, love for Pakistan and strict observance of Islam as a code of life. He also had the responsibility of organising and initiating training of pathologists and technicians. The spirit of dedication, simple minded sincerity to scientific pursuits, brotherly and homely atmosphere in the institution and above all the habit of hard work was created by him, in the staff. He encouraged and supported three young pathologists, to obtain their postgraduate qualifications from London. They were Major (later Maj Gen) M lqbal Chaudri (DCP), Major (later Colonel) M Akram (DCP) and Major (later Col) SMH Bokhari (Dip Bact and DTM&H). After a few years, Colonel Akram was due for his promotion and left CMPL to become a Brigadier and left the command of the laboratory. He later became Director of Medical Services (DMS) of Pakistan Army, in the rank of Maj Gen.

Major Manzoor Ahmed Chaudry was the senior most pathologists at that time and was posted to command the CMPL. He was a graded pathologist trained at Poona (India), during the Second World War and, had served in the Burmese theatre of war. After the independence, he had obtained DTM&H from London. Two very brilliant pathologists, Major (now Major General Retd) MI Burney and Major (Late Colonel) SMH Bokhari made his team of experts.

That was the time when the pathology services had expanded tremendously. The need to have an infrastructures and the resources; both in terms of trained personnel and gadgetry were felt. Initially, the emphasis was laid upon have a sizeable group of trained pathologists. Therefore, structures training programmes, at postgraduate level, for pathologists were started, at regular basis. To cope with the technical side, an extensive programme for the training of laboratory technicians was also started, simultaneously. The induction of men with expertise led to a revolutionary improvement in the extent and quality of the diagnostic laboratory services in the Pakistan Army. A period of enthusiasm and dedication started.

The CMPL, as an army unit was commanded 'by Lt Col Muhammad Said, for a short duration. He was once again replaced by then Lt Col Manzoor Ahmed Chaudhry who by then had a background of heading the unit. Once the tradition is set, a smooth functioning can be ensured by a good command and control.

It was with the advice received in the form of a letter from Major Syed Azhar Ahmad that the CMPL was designated as Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) on 20th August 1957. He was then being trained at AFIP Washington. As the CMPL was to be transformed to an institute of excellence, the infrastructure needed to be developed and the facilities enhanced. The existing working and administrative space had by then become too crowded and the quality work needed smooth mobility of the action. Therefore, more room was needed and a double storey building was constructed which was later considered unsuitable for the work of the AFIP and was handed over to the newly created Armed Forces Medical College.

It must be put on record that late Lt Gen W.A.Burki, was very keen to improve the scientific basis of AMC and was a moving force behind many projects of development. A new building was desperately needed for the institute. It needed finances, planning and supervision. It must not be forgotten at this stage that the finances were arranged by a very kind gesture of late Chaudhri Mohammad AH, then finance minister of the Federal Government. Chaudhri Mohammad Ali had to visit the AFlP quite frequently. During his visits, he too felt the need of an advanced diagnostic laboratory service and provided necessary financial support for the construction of the new building. He later became the Prime Minister of Pakistan and continued helping AFIP for long period of time. A large purpose built double storey building was planned by Maj (later Col) SMH Bokahari, who took personal efforts in its design and construction. A new purpose-built building for AFIP was completed in 1958.

Lt Col Noor Ahmed was appointed the Commanding Officer of AFIP, in September 1957. He was a very learned and experienced pathologist of that time. He had long served in the Indian Medical Department (IMD) of the Army and in the Indian Army Medical Corps. He was an excellent bench worker and a keen teacher, who himself had worked very hard and expected the same from others. He was highly disciplined, tough task master and took a keen interest in the lab work, improvement of the premises, postgraduate teaching and maintenance of a high quality work. During the tenure of Lt Col Noor Ahmed, a very well organised and systematic programme of academic activities and research was set up in this institute, on sound scientific basis. He was also responsible for raising the standards of (so far neglected) histopathology services in the Army. It was the fruit of his concerted efforts that the AFIP in Pakistan established close cordial links with AFIP Washington and various American and British Universities. In 1959, during his Command, Armed Forces Tumour Registry was started. This was the beginning of the organised study of malignant tumours in Pakistan. The suggestion was once again made by Major (now Lt Gen Retired Syed Azhar Ahmed). When the locally available meager training resources of pathologists were exhausted, the matter of taining of pathologists abroad was seriously taken, during his tenure. Consequently, Major (now Maj Gen Retd) M.I.Burney completed a one year training course in Virology in Walter Reed Army Institute of USA. As he returned, the department of Virology was established on modern lines. The department was engaged in the study of Asian Flu effect on local population. He maintained his interest in parasitology and entomology. It was he, who discovered a new focus of Kala-Azar in Gilgit and Baltistan. A new species of sand fly flourishing in this cold climate was also discovered and named after Lt Col M.I. Burney as Phlebotomus brunei.

The newly constructed building of AFIP had to be furnished. So far, all the laboratory furniture including laboratory benches were imported from abroad. This was most probably the first time when it was manufactured locally, instead of being imported. Messrs Abdullah and Sons from Gujranwala accepted the task and they made all the furniture indigenously at a remarkably low price. Many such benched are still I use at AFIP. All the services like a high voltage electricity, water and gas were all supplied smoothly on a regular basis on these benches.

The federal capital was shifted from Karachi to Rawalpindi, in 1958. The AFIP was the mainstay of the diagnostic laboratory services in that city. Therefore, the responsibilities of AFIP increased further. It was then supposed to look after the ministers and senior civil servants of the Federal Government of Pakistan ad their family members. Mr Mohammad Shoaib was then the Finance Minister. He used to attend AFIP for his regular check-up. He found the AFIP premises uncomfortable during the hot seasons. The building was closed and the newly inducted heavy gadgetry generated a lot of heat, in the close space. The working atmosphere was uncomfortable and it was a really tough task to work there. The patient reception area was extremely unpleasant. Mr Mohammad Shoaib shared the discomfort with other patients and he generously sanctioned a handsome amount for bringing changes. It was spent for the fixation of a modern central air conditioning plant for the building. It had an added advantage of the provision of a dust free environment. The constant temperature was needed for the fine functioning of many pieces of equipments and the conditions needed for the performance of sophisticated tests.

During these days, the pressing demands of quality pathology service had compelled the AFIP to assume the role of a Central Reference Laboratory. It provided services for the Armed Forces, as well civil sector. The general population belonging to civil sector of this region, including many medical institutions in and around Rawalpindi benefited its expertise. This gave it new prestige and status.

Colonel Noor Ahmad retired from his Army service and Lt Col Manzoor Ahmad Chaudri was called to take over the Command of this Institute, in August 1962 once again. A steady progress was maintained and some of the first generation automated laboratory equipment was introduced at that time. Major (Major General in Bangladesh Army) Mahmud ur rahman Chaudhary worked in microbiology before he was sent to NIH, Islamabad.

By then the department of virology was fully established. It was soon designated as National Centre for Viral Diseases. During this period, a proper animal house was also constructed and a Departmental of Experiment Pathology was established. It was used for animal experimentation and the production of reagents. The reagents produced there were provided to the pathology laboratories of the peripheral hospitals. It was always run without the hiring of veterinary personnel and high tech work. It was conventionally looked after by the officers of Virology department. Some sweepers were trained to feed and look after the animals. Gradually, the dependence on the use of animals had been declining, as more emphasis was laid upon the use of more sophisticated technology.

In July 1970, Col (now Retd Maj Gen) M.I.Burney took over as Commanding Officer of AFIP. He was known to be a dedicated bench worker, an efficient field work organizer and a diligent scientist. He had a very long association with AFIP by serving the AFIP for a quarter of a century in different positions. He had spent a life time in research and diagnostic facilities and with his becoming the Commandant, the tempo of scientific progress was increased. Many pieces of automated laboratory equipment were acquired and put to use for the first time during this period. He developed a dedicated team of workers and trained them in sophisticated technology. A state of art of Electron microscope was acquired for Virology department from Carl Zeiss, Obercocken, Germany. It was the first electron microscope ever installed in a diagnostic setup of Pakistan. The technology of immunoelctrophoresis, immunoprecipitaion in gel and fluorescent microscopy was introduced. In his days a well known histopathologist Dr Sughra Fatima Ahmed and a dedicated microbiologist Major (later Brig) S J Malik worked at AFIP.

In August 1973 Col (now Retired Maj Gen) M.I.Burney was seconded to the civil as Executive Director of the National Institute of Health, Pakistan and Lt Col (now Retd Lt Gen) Syed Azhar Ahmed was appointed as the Commandant of the Institute. His tenure was a period of continuing improvement and progress in every field. A major training programme was started and young officers were selected for higher training in Pakistan and abroad. The forum of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan was utilized for this purpose and within few years a large number of candidates qualified for FCPS in pathology. To help the pathologists who fund the FCPS difficult at that time to do were helped by M.Phil training programme, which was started in 1982 for the first time. Sine-then a large number of Armed Forces pathologists as well as civilian doctors availed AFIP facilities for their research for M.Phil thesis. A large number of very brilliant young officers was also sent for training abroad especially to UK and USA. By this action, he laid the foundations of future of sound basis of Virology, Immunology, Histopathology, Histopathology, Chemical Pathology and Nuclear Medicine.

A very important decision at this time was to establish a Nuclear Medical Centre as a part of AFIP. A new building was constructed for this purpose in a record period of eight and a half months. Simultaneously the required equipment was purchased, the officers and staff were selected and trained and within a year, the centre was made functional. Further training of these officers was arranged in UK and two of item obtained their Master degree in Nuclear Medicine from the London University.

The premises of the institute were also expanded and a special emphasis was laid upon the improvement of facilities for the visiting patients and the staff. In 1983 a completely new block was designed and constructed for patient's reception. It contained different waiting rooms for officers, other ranks, families and the civilian patients. A canteen block was completed in 1984.

An entirely new block in the name of Advanced Diagnostic and Research Centre (ADRC) was also planned in 1983. It was approved in early 1984 and, in a phased programme; the whole project was completed in 1988. This provided 24000 square feet of additional laboratory space in a modern building with adequate training and research facilities. Subsequently, the departments of Haematology as well as Chemical pathology were housed in that building. Some space was subsequently utilized there for Immunology as well as Molecular biology.

In 1988, Lt Gen Syed Azhar Ahmed left AFIP to become the Executive Director of national Institute of Health. The new Commandant of AFIP was Brigadier (now Maj Gen) Manzoor Ahmad. Maj Gen Manzoor Ahmed has been a very active participant in the progress and development of AFIP for over thirty years. He had a sound background of extensive training in Histopathology from the best centre of USA. He had been previously posted to PNS Shifa, Karachi. There he was involved in teaching of the postgraduate level at newly established Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. He had been pioneer of the research in medical sciences with the collaboration of Dr Sarwar Jehan Zuberi and Prof Naeem Aon Jaaaferi. He was a dedicated professional and a great trainer and teacher. He concentrated his efforts in making best use of the available resources raising the standards of the institute to an international level. He established the full fledge departments of Virology and Immunology and encouraged the expansion of the unit. During his tenure, many hardworking officers joined the unit.

His team included the professional stalwarts like a great Haematologist Brig Mohammad Saleem and a renowned Microbiologist, Brig Abdul Hannan. The trained pathologists returned from abroad. They were Captain (now Major General) Farooq Ahmad Khan after obtaining PhD from London, Major (now Brigadier) Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq after obtaining his DpBact (Manchester) and MRCPath (London) in Virology and Maj (now Brigadier) Sajid Mushtaq who returned with MRCPath in Histopathology from London. His other team members consisted of Col (now Brigadier retired) Amir Hussain, Lt Col (now Major General retired) Masood Anwar, Wing Commander Iftikhar ul Hassan Abidi and Major (now Major General) Mohammad Amin Wiqar.

During his days, emphasis was laid upon structured training, evening classes and seminars and conferences. The Lymphoma project which was already started, gave a new vigour and activity as the funds were diverted to hire the services of many more doctors, technical and secretarial staff. The institute was asked by other societies like Pakistan Society of gastroenterology and GI Endoscopy to organize the international conference. A faculty of overseas experts was established. Internationally renowned experts like Prof Maurice Longson (of Manchester University), Prof JE Banatavala of St Thomas’ Hospital, London and Prof Morag C Timbury, Director Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, London visited and delivered the lectures in the institute. The AFIP revived its ties with the Royal College of Pathologist, London. The officers were encouraged to attained international conferences and present their papers. Much emphasis was also diverted towards paper writing and compilation of the professional books and booklets.

Maj Gen Manzoor Ahmad was the first pathologist, who was appointed as the Surgeon General Pakistan Army and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, in 1992. Maj General Iftikhar Ahmad Malik was appointed the Commandant of AFIP. He had long worked as a pathologist. He had been in Saudi Arabia and then Professor of Pathology at Army Medical College Rawalpindi. He was also Chairman Pakistan Medical Research Council and actively involved in the activities of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan. He brought new dimension to Pathology training and practice. He was disciplined, too the point and expected a high standard of work and tough training. The institute was open for long hours. The research papers were written in great number and work was expanded to different fields. His tenure brought meticulousness and diligence in the unit.

After Gen Iftikhar Ahmad Malik retired the command was acquired by Maj Gen Mohammad Saleem, who had perhaps the longest tenure n AFIP, after Maj Gen MI Burni. He had a short tenure in the unit and established the Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Department. He was relaxed in his conduct and confident in work. The team of the officers had complete confidence in his personality and way of working. Most of the consultants had been his pupils in the past and had cordial terms with him. His soft nature also brought the technical staff and other workers closer to him. The unit was all glued together around his kind personality. He started work for Bone Marrow Transplant Centre and specifically encourage Brig (now Major General retired) Masud Anwar to make the plan and work for that. The necessary pieces of equipment were gradually acquired and young officers were trained from abroad for that purpose. Brigadier (now Major General Retired) Mohammad Muzaffar, Brigadier (now Lieutenant General Retired) Karamat Ahmad Karamat, Col Mohammad Farooq Khan (admin officer), Lt Col (now Major General) Farooq Ahmad Khan, Lt Col (now Colonel Retired) Lt Col (now Brigadier) Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq, Lt Col (now Brigadier) Suhaib Ahmad Khan, Lt Col (now Brigadier) Sajid Mushtaq and Major (now Brigadier) Tahir Aziz Ahamad worked at AFIP as the members of his team. The coordination, team work and dedication of the whole team was an example for the times to come. In his days many outstanding issues were solved.

His tenure was short lived and he soon became the Surgeon General, Pakistan Army and was posted to GHQ. Maj Gen Mohammad Muzaffar took over the command of the AFIP. During his tenure, the departments of Virology and Immunology were inspected by the team of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan and recognized for offering FCPS training in the respective disciplines. Both these departments were the first in the country recognized for this purpose. The institute now adopted a completely different tradition and a tight discipline was imposed upon all.

As Maj General Mohammad Muzaffar left the institute at his retirement, Maj Gen (now Lt Gen retired) Karamat Ahmad Karamat took over as the commandant. He had a long standing as a British trained microbiologist, who had served at AFIP, Saudi Arabia and Army Medical College. He worked hard to keep the professional and training activity going, in his own style. He believed in change and brought new ideas and practices. The team of the pathologists and technicians worked hard and the institute maintained its tradition. The Immunology department was shifted to new premises and renovation and expansion wok was carried in Medical Microbiology department. Many new gadgets and pieces of equipment were introduced for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis and other organisms. Many seminars were held on Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and emerging infection. The experts were invited from abroad to take part in training activities. Many publication were made. The textbook for the technicians was rewritten and booklets were published on Hepatitis and Rabies. During his tenure, the institute adopted Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). This was a computerized system, meant for the entries in the reception, generation of work sheets, laboratory data generation, report preparation and their authentication and the printing of laboratory results. This was perhaps first of its kind in Pakistan. The system was locally developed and perfected. His hard work led to his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General. He went as the Surgeon general, being the third pathologist to have that honour.

The command of the AFIP was taken over by Brig Zahur ur Rahman. He had spent most of his service in the pathology laboratories of the peripheral hospitals and had done his FCPS just few years before taking over the command. During his tenure, most of the foreign qualified consultants, who worked as the heads of the departments. He had been left with a team of the pathologists who had limited experience of working in their respective fields. As most of them had fairly recently passed their FCPS. All of them worked hard, according to their capabilities and tried to keep up the pace. To the best of his abilities, he took a keen interest in different areas. He took major interest in the renovation of the building and premises and kept him always busy, in one thing or other. During his tenure, the department of virology was shifted to its new premises and the procedure block was completed, adjacent to the reception area.

Maj Gen Masood Anwar took the command on 2002. He had been at AFIP since 1988 and was well versed with the working of the institute. He accepted many challenges, as the things needed drastic change. He made positive contributions and tried to restore the professional efficiency, fame, prestige and status of the institute. He restored the professional expertise by having the strong faculty. Most of the senior consultant were posted to the AFIP and the departments were once again headed by the highly qualified pathologists. This brought vigour and activity. The construction of new block were started and the existing ones were renovated. The plan was made for the forensic lab and additional block was built for Virology. His team consisted of Brig (now Maj Gen) Farooq Ahmad Khan, Brig Abdus Sattar, Brig Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq, Brig Suhaib Ahmad, Brig Sajid Mushtaq, Brig Tahir Aziz Ahmad and Brig Sajjad Hussain Mirza. The institutes made many publications and the earlier book written for the laboratory technicians was revised and republished. There were many workshops and and seminars held in the institute. With the revival of the activities, training received an enthusiastic turn. The problems were solved easily and a friendly approach was maintained. The funds were made available generously wherever they were needed. The projects were started with international collaboration and the officers were encouraged to present their research papers and get them published. The social activities and get to gathers were arranged. Their was a close liaison between all and all joined head regularly for the further improvement. The freedom of action and mind was ensured. Many new technologies were introduced and equipment inducted.

Major General Mohammad Amin Wiqar took over as the Commandant on. He was perhaps the first non pathologist after Col Mohammad Akram, to command the institute while not himself being the pathologist. He had a life long association with this institute. He headed the department of Nuclear Medicine, which had remained part and parcel of AFIP. He knew the working of the institute because he had perhaps the longest tenure in the institute. He believed in the facilitation of work and professional independence. He encouraged the officers to expand the work and start new projects. He issued generous funds to upgrade the facilities. He employed many civilians as laboratory technicians as well as the scientific officers. In his days, the histopathology department, reception and nuclear medicine departments were fully refurbished and their outlook was completely changed. The major change was brought in the Virology department. The newly constructed structure of the building was fully changed and converted into a purpose built laboratory. The office space was created. The serum bank area, Viral serodiagnosis lab, Molecular Biology laboratory and laboratory sterilization areas were added. The department has a new shape. The expansion of the space led to mobility and freedom of work and increased the efficiency. The new gadgets, computers, telephonic connections and working areas were added in the department. During his tenure, the freedom of thoughts, acceptance of new ideas and a improvisation remained the priorities. The quick decision were made and the sudden expansion in the quality work was absorbed. The working of the LIMS was reviewed and innovations were introduced into it. The plan for the Forensic Lab was followed and the work started on it. After along time the officers were encouraged to receive training from abroad and attend the conferences and make presentations. During his tenure, the earthquake struck the north of Pakistan and the Azad Kashmir. All laboratories and pathology service had disappeared there. He and his team played a vital role in the revival of the service, by offering the equipment, manpower and the resources from the institute. In a very little time, the services were running efficiently and smoothly.

The names of Lt Col SMH Bokhari, Maj Gen abdul Hannan, Maj Fatima Sughra Ahmad, Brig Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq, Brig Sajid Mushtaq, Brig Mohammad Ayub, Brig Tahir Aziz Ahmad and Brig Sajjad Hussain Mirza will always be remembered in its history. They were all British trained pathologists of great international fame and have injected a new tradition of rational thinking and intellectual pursuits.

In brief,

Organization

In the diagnostics side its departments include Histopathology, Haematology, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology and Chemical Pathology. It is commanded by the senior most pathologist of the Armed Forces who is usually a Major General.

List of Commandants

Lt Col Sarup Narayan

Col Mohammad Akram

Lt Col Mohammad Said

Lt Col Noor Ahmad

Col Manzoor Ahmad ChaudhriCol M I BurneyMaj Gen Syed Azhar AhmadMaj Gen Manzoor Ahmad
*Maj Gen Iftikhar Ahmad MalikMaj Gen Mohammad Saleem
*Maj Gen Muhammad Muzaffar Maj Gen Karamat Ahmad Karamat
*Brig Zahur-ur RahmanMaj Gen Masood AnwarMaj Gen Mohammad Amin WiqarMaj Gen Farooq AHmad Khan