King Hamad Institute of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences Inaugurated in Islamabad, Bolstering Pakistan-Bahrain Ties

Historic Inauguration Strengthens Pakistan-Bahrain Cooperation

The King Hamad Institute of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences (KHINAMS) was officially inaugurated in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. This landmark event signifies a deepening of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bahrain, extending cooperation beyond traditional defense links into the crucial sectors of education and healthcare. The institute is poised to become a pivotal center for medical education in the region.

Key Dignitaries Attend Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) of Pakistan, served as the chief guest. He was joined by General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander Bahrain National Guard, who attended as the guest of honor, representing His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Other senior civil and military officers were also present, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration.

A Vision for Enhanced Medical Education

KHINAMS is a joint initiative designed to uplift medical education and cultivate competent healthcare professionals in Pakistan. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza expressed confidence that the institute would 'produce competent healthcare professionals and set new benchmarks in nursing and associated medical sciences in Pakistan.' The vision for this state-of-the-art institution originated during King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's historic visit to Pakistan in 2014, where he offered to fund the project as a gift. An agreement between the two countries was formalized in August 2016, and the foundation stone was laid in January 2017.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Academic Standards

The institute, which is Pakistan's first purpose-built international nursing and allied medical sciences facility, spans 237 kanals (approximately 29.6 acres) on Park Road in Chak Shahzad, Islamabad. It is equipped to accommodate 2,000 students and aims to graduate 500 highly skilled professionals annually. The campus features a six-story college building housing 45 lecture halls, a modern library, computer labs, a mini auditorium, and advanced laboratories. Additionally, it includes a 170-bed hostel and residential facilities for up to 1,000 students. The curriculum is recognized by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), ensuring adherence to international academic and medical standards. The construction, estimated at around $16 million, was entrusted to the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), with academic guidance from the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS).

Symbol of Enduring Friendship

The establishment of KHINAMS serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring brotherhood and friendship between the peoples and governments of Bahrain and Pakistan. General Mirza underscored the strong bilateral relations, noting that the institute represents Bahrain's commitment to supporting education and healthcare beyond its borders. This initiative is part of a broader trend of increased cooperation between the two nations, which have maintained diplomatic ties since 1971 and have recently seen enhanced collaboration in various sectors, including trade, security, and defense.