25/08/2026
For all of us at the Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences (IPH&SS), the completion of Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University is much more than an institutional transition. It is a deeply personal moment for an Institute that has been part of his journey from the very beginning.
His story is, in many ways, our story.
From the early days of Public Health at KMU, working as a young lecturer from a single room, Prof. Zia went on to become a Professor, Dean and ultimately Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University. Those of us who belong to IPH&SS take immense pride in having witnessed a colleague and teacher from Public Health rise to the highest office of the University.
Throughout this journey, he never lost his connection with his academic roots. He created employment and research opportunities for young professionals through his projects, guided students towards scholarships and higher education, connected colleagues with collaborators across the world, and built networks through which generations of Public Health students and faculty have been able to grow. Many careers were started, strengthened or given a new direction because he opened a door, made an introduction, shared an opportunity or simply encouraged someone to aim higher.
As Vice Chancellor, his contributions to KMU have been equally significant from the paperless e-office and computer-based examinations to establishing a university hospital from KMU’s own resources, successfully leading MDCAT examinations and strengthening the University’s financial sustainability. These achievements will remain part of KMU’s institutional history.
But for us at IPH&SS, we will remember the person behind the position just as much as the achievements our colleague, teacher, mentor and fellow Public Health professional who remained connected to the Institute where his journey began.
As faculty, we are sincerely grateful for his longstanding commitment to IPH&SS and for the opportunities, guidance and support he has extended to our students and colleagues over the years. We will miss his presence and will certainly feel his absence at every step.
Prof. Zia leaves the office of Vice Chancellor voluntarily, but he certainly does not leave behind his commitment to KMU, Public Health or the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We know that, as a true son of the soil, he will continue to serve, facilitate and create opportunities for others wherever his journey takes him next.
Sir, from that one room of Public Health to the Vice Chancellor’s office, it has been an extraordinary journey and we at IPH&SS are proud to have been part of it.
With heartfelt gratitude and the very best wishes from your colleagues, students and the entire IPH&SS family. May Allah Almighty open even greater doors for you and grant you continued success, honour and opportunities to serve.
You will always remain an important part of the IPH&SS story.
