Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan has returned to Pakistan to take up a senior leadership role in the country’s healthcare sector, marking a significant development in Lahore’s expanding cardiac care landscape.

Dr Khan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and dean of the newly established Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, a facility that officials describe as a major upcoming centre for specialised heart treatment. Recruitment of medical and administrative staff is already underway, with preparations in advanced stages ahead of the hospital’s formal launch.

Born in Jhelum in 1958, Hasnat Khan completed his early medical education at King Edward Medical University before moving to the United Kingdom, where he built a distinguished career in cardiothoracic surgery. He spent several years at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital, one of the world’s leading specialist centres for heart and lung disease, and was involved in advanced clinical practice and international healthcare projects.

Khan first came into global public attention in the mid-1990s due to his relationship with Princess Diana. The two reportedly met in 1995 when Diana visited the Royal Brompton Hospital. Their relationship, which lasted around two years, attracted intense media scrutiny. Diana is said to have referred to him as “Mr Wonderful,” a detail widely circulated in international press coverage at the time. The relationship ended amid concerns over privacy and the pressures of public life.

His return to Pakistan has generated renewed interest on social media, with many users reflecting on both his professional achievements and his past association with the late Princess of Wales. However, health authorities have emphasised his medical credentials, highlighting his long experience in complex cardiac surgery and institutional development.

Officials in Punjab have described his appointment as a significant step forward for specialised healthcare delivery in the province. Specialised Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq stated that Khan’s international experience is expected to strengthen clinical standards and improve training capacity for local medical staff.

The Jinnah Institute of Cardiology is expected to become one of Lahore’s leading centres for cardiac treatment, addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in Pakistan. Authorities say the facility aims to introduce modern surgical techniques, improve access to advanced care, and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.

© Naya Daur