Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi, has partnered with Islamabad-based Health Services Academy (HSA) to jointly launch a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and elevate standards in public health education and research. Under this collaboration, both institutions seek to foster gender-responsive healthcare workforce development, enhance women’s leadership roles in health sciences, and support Pakistan in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The agreement between the two institutions was formalized through a Letter of Intent (LOI). The signing ceremony was led by Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor of FJWU (recipient of Pride of Performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), and Prof. Dr. Junaid Sarfraz Khan, Rector of HSA. The partnership clearly demonstrates the shared commitment of the two organizations to advancing educational excellence and promoting collaboration in the fields of healthcare and public health.
The proposed Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will adhere fully to the regulatory standards set by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC). To ensure a high-quality educational experience, the curriculum will integrate a fully functional skills laboratory, comprehensive clinical training, hospital rotations, state-of-the-art teaching resources, and advanced digital learning tools.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza highlighted FJWU’s longstanding dedication to women’s empowerment, education, and professional growth, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare and public service. “FJWU is dedicated to contributing to national development through education, research, and innovation, especially in empowering women in health and public service sectors,” Prof. Mirza emphasized.
On his part, Prof. Dr. Junaid Sarfraz Khan underscored the critical importance of academic collaborations as essential tools in building forward-looking and inclusive healthcare systems. He expressed optimism that joint initiatives like this one will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s public health infrastructure and improve educational outcomes in nursing.
Instrumental roles in making this collaboration possible were played by focal persons Prof. Dr. Hashaam Akhtar of HSA and Prof. Dr. Azra Yasmin, Director Campus II at FJWU. Their dedicated efforts facilitated the planning, structuring, and operationalization of the planned academic programs and objectives outlined in the partnership.
Overall, this partnership symbolizes a mutually aligned vision to transform the landscape of nursing education in Pakistan. It is expected not only to expand access to high-quality education for women, but also to significantly uplift their presence and impact within Pakistan’s healthcare and public sectors. Through initiatives like these, FJWU continues its commitment to empowering women’s roles across educational, professional, and leadership realms.
