PKLI: THE BEACON OF HOPE

 

What is PKLI hospital in Pakistan?

The Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI&RC) is a landmark quaternary healthcare facility in Pakistan, established to provide world-class, affordable treatment for liver and kidney diseases. Conceived to tackle a national health crisis, it has grown from a visionary project into one of the world's largest transplant centers and a symbol of hope for millions .

Here is a detailed history of PKLI from its inception to the present day.

🏛️ Conception and Construction (2009-2017)

The idea for PKLI was born out of a pressing national need. Pakistan has a high prevalence of hepatitis, with millions affected, and patients often had to travel abroad for expensive liver and kidney transplants .

• 2009: The project was initially approved .
• 2012: Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, then Chief Minister of Punjab, laid the foundation stone for the project in Rawalpindi . The main Lahore project was a separate, more ambitious undertaking.
• 2015: The groundbreaking for the main PKLI & RC campus in Lahore took place on August 14, 2015. The project was executed by the Infrastructure Development Authority of the Punjab (IDAP) on 50 acres of land in the Lahore Knowledge City .

🏥 Inauguration and Early Operations (2017-2018)

The first phase of the Lahore campus was completed on an accelerated timeline and inaugurated on a symbolic date.

• Inauguration: On December 25, 2017, which is also the birth anniversary of Pakistan's founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the first phase of PKLI . The initial phase included 476 beds, OPD services, a dialysis center, and diagnostic facilities .
• Mission: The institute was established with a clear, non-discriminatory mission: to save lives by providing free or highly subsidized treatment to deserving patients, while also creating a center of excellence for research and medical education . A network of Hepatitis Filter Clinics was also established across Punjab as part of this outreach .

⚖️ Challenges and Resilience (2018-2022)

Despite its promising start, PKLI faced significant operational and political challenges in its early years.

• Disruptions: Following a change in government, the institute encountered severe administrative and financial hurdles. Its funds were frozen, and its leadership faced investigations.
• Pandemic Role: In a controversial move, the facility was converted into a COVID-19 quarantine and management center in March 2020, a role it served until March 2022. This diversion severely impacted its core transplant mission; in 2019, only four liver transplants were performed .

🚀 Revival and Expansion (2022-Present)

With a change in government in 2022, the original vision for PKLI was revived and accelerated, leading to a period of remarkable growth and achievement.

• Revival: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, upon returning to office, provided renewed resources and refocused the institute on its original mission .
• Record-Breaking Performance: The revival led to a dramatic increase in transplant activity. From just four in 2019, liver transplants soared to 211 in 2022, 213 in 2023, and 259 in 2024 .
• Milestones: In November 2025, PKLI celebrated a historic milestone by successfully completing its 1,000th liver transplant, alongside 1,100 kidney transplants and 14 bone marrow transplants .
• Rawalpindi Campus: The PKLI network expanded with the formal integration of the 250-bed Institute of Urology & Transplantation in Rawalpindi. Inaugurated in April 2023, it became an attached institute of PKLI Lahore in August 2023, extending specialized care to the northern regions .
• PKLI University: In August 2023, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone for the PKLI University in Lahore, aiming to create a hub for medical education and research .
• International Recognition: In 2025, PKLI&RC received two major accolades at the Healthcare Asia Awards in Malaysia, winning "Tertiary Hospital of the Year – Pakistan" and "Specialty Hospital of the Year – Pakistan" .

🩺 PKLI Today: Key Facts and Services

Today, PKLI stands as a world-class institution with an impressive scope of operations.

• Governance: It operates as an autonomous body under the "Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre Act 2019," governed by a Board of Governors .
• Patient Care: It has served over 5 million patients and spent over PKR 18 billion on patient treatment. Currently, around 80% of patients receive treatment completely free of charge .
• Accreditations and Facilities: It is the only public sector hospital in South Asia to achieve JCI accreditation. It boasts advanced technologies like robotic surgery, PET-CT imaging, and a cyclotron facility. It is also home to the largest dialysis unit in Punjab .
• Services Offered:
• Transplants: Kidney, Liver, Bone Marrow, and the first-ever Pancreatic Transplant in Pakistan .
• Specialties: Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Urology, Nephrology, Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, and specialized pediatric care for kidney and liver diseases .
• Research & Education: Active research programs, postgraduate residencies, and the Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (ION & AHS) .
• Impact: By providing advanced care locally, PKLI has saved Pakistan billions in foreign exchange that was previously spent on medical tourism, particularly to India .

 

Shameful intervention of justice Saqib Nisar and his false accusations on the management of PKLI

The intervention by former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar in the affairs of the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) represents a significant and controversial chapter in the institution's history. What began as a judicial inquiry into alleged financial irregularities ultimately resulted in the public humiliation of PKLI's founder, a halt to its core medical mission, and was later labelled by legal experts as "judicial overreach" and by political leaders as an act of political sabotage .

The table below summarizes the key accusations and actions taken by Justice Saqib Nisar against the PKLI management:

Area of Intervention	Specific Accusations/Actions by Justice Saqib Nisar	Outcome / Subsequent Findings
Against Dr. Saeed Akhtar (Founder)	Public humiliation in open court; barred from leaving the country; accused of drawing an excessive salary (Rs. 1.2 million/month) .	Travel ban lifted and previous orders revoked by a subsequent SC bench in Feb 2019; termed unnecessary .
Financial Irregularities	Questioned expenditure of Rs. 20 billion; ordered forensic audit based on allegations of inflated construction costs (Rs. 10,100/sq. ft.) and high administrative spending .	Audit and ACE probe later deemed "unnecessary" by a later SC bench; PKLI's subsequent success contradicted the allegations .
Institutional Governance	Appointed an ad-hoc committee headed by a retired judge to run PKLI; ordered amendments to the PKLI Act 2014 .	Ad-hoc committee dissolved and previous orders reversed by SC bench in Feb 2019; restoration of governance under provincial act .
Impact on Operations	The inquiry and hostile environment halted transplant activity; PKLI was later converted into a COVID-19 hospital, further stalling its mission .	By 2019, only 4 liver transplants were performed. After the revival in 2022, over 1,000 liver transplants have been successfully completed .

⚖️ The Legal Aftermath: A Reversal and Accusations of Overreach

The legal saga took a decisive turn after Justice Nisar's retirement. The actions against PKLI were not the final word and were subsequently reviewed.

• Supreme Court Reverses Its Own Orders: In a landmark decision on February 28, 2019, a three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik, revoked all previous orders passed by the former chief justice in the PKLI suo motu case . The bench set aside the inquiry, dissolved the court-appointed ad-hoc committee, and allowed Dr. Saeed Akhtar to travel abroad. Justice Malik explicitly observed that the investigation ordered by the previous bench was "unnecessary" and amounted to "judicial overreach" .
• Accusations of Political Motives: The intervention has been widely framed as politically motivated. In April 2023, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly alleged that Justice Nisar "destroyed the PKLI as he wanted to accommodate his brother there" . He further accused the former CJP of using weekend court hearings for "political slander" and of politicizing public health projects . A state-run news outlet in 2025 even described the actions as an act of "political revenge" that contradicted national interest . Justice Nisar has refuted these claims, stating that the prime minister should not "drag the judiciary into politics" for his "mistakes" and that his only concern was the "irregularities" in the project .
• Damage to Medical Progress and Repatriation of Talent: The controversy had tangible negative consequences. The hostile environment and investigations stalled the hospital's core work. Consequently, only four liver transplants were performed in 2019 . Furthermore, the public humiliation of a respected figure like Dr. Saeed Akhtar sent a demoralizing signal to the Pakistani medical diaspora. It was reported that over 100 specialists who had agreed to return to Pakistan and work at PKLI had second thoughts, dealing a severe blow to efforts to attract Pakistani talent back home .

🏥 The Post-Intervention Era: Revival and Success

Following the reversal of the court orders and a change in government in 2022, PKLI was refocused on its original mission, leading to a period of remarkable growth that stands in stark contrast to the allegations made against it.

• Record-Breaking Transplant Numbers: Freed from the previous legal and administrative hurdles, PKLI's transplant activity soared. From a mere 4 in 2019, the institute performed 211 liver transplants in 2022, 213 in 2023, and 259 in 2024. In November 2025, it celebrated a historic milestone by successfully completing its 1,000th liver transplant .
• Massive Patient Throughput: The institute has served over 4 million patients, with around 80% receiving treatment completely free of charge, fulfilling its humanitarian mission .
• Saving Foreign Exchange: By providing world-class treatment locally, PKLI has saved Pakistan billions in foreign exchange that was previously spent on medical tourism, particularly to India .

In summary, the intervention by Justice Saqib Nisar, which involved serious allegations and punitive actions against the PKLI management, was later fully reversed by the Supreme Court itself, which termed it "judicial overreach." The accusations have been followed by counter-accusations of political motivations. The subsequent record-breaking performance of PKLI after its administrative revival stands as a testament to the project's viability and the baselessness of the allegations that sought to undermine it.

 

Performance and achievements of PKLI

Following the period of significant challenges, the revival of the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) from 2022 onwards has been marked by extraordinary growth and landmark achievements, transforming it into one of the world's leading transplant centers .

The table below summarizes PKLI's key performance metrics and milestones since its revival.

Metric / Achievement	Details / Impact
Liver Transplants	Surged from only 4 in 2019 to 1,000+ total by Nov 2025 . Yearly: 211 (2022), 213 (2023), 259 (2024), 200+ (2025) .
Other Transplants	1,100+ kidney transplants and 14 bone marrow transplants performed .
Patient Care	Served over 4 million patients; around 80% receive free treatment .
Cost Savings	Treatment costs up to Rs 6 million, far less than $70,000-$150,000 abroad; saves billions in foreign exchange .
Accreditations & Firsts	First JCI-accredited public sector hospital in Asia; ISO-certified; introduced robotic surgeries .
Education & Research	CPSP fellowships in 14 specialties (93 trainees, 25 graduates); Institute of Nursing; plans for PKLI University and a BioBank Research Facility .
Services & Recognition	Specialties: Urology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Interventional Radiology, Advanced Endoscopy, Robotic Surgery .

🏆 Landmark Achievement: 1,000 Liver Transplants

The most celebrated milestone came in November 2025, when PKLI successfully completed its 1,000th liver transplant . This achievement was hailed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who described the institute as a "sapling planted in 2017" that has "now grown into a towering tree" . This feat places PKLI among the world's leading centers for advanced organ transplantation .

📈 A Remarkable Performance Trajectory

The revival efforts led to a dramatic and sustained increase in transplant activity. After the dismal low of just four liver transplants in 2019 :

• 2022: The institute performed 211 liver transplants .
• 2023: It carried out 213 liver transplants .
• 2024: The number rose further to 259 liver transplants .
• 2025: The momentum continued with over 200 successful liver transplants performed during the year, leading to the historic 1,000th milestone .

🩺 Expanding Scope of Services and Expertise

PKLI's impact extends far beyond liver transplants. The institute has also successfully performed over 1,100 kidney transplants and 14 bone marrow transplants . It has become a comprehensive quaternary care facility, offering internationally recognized services in:

• Urology, Nephrology, and Gastroenterology .
• Interventional Radiology and Advanced Endoscopy .
• Robotic surgeries, showcasing its adoption of cutting-edge technology .

❤️ Unprecedented Patient Reach and Affordability

The institute's mission of accessible healthcare is reflected in its patient numbers and subsidized model. It has provided medical care to over 4 million patients . Remarkably, around 80% of these patients receive treatment completely free of cost . For those who can afford to pay, the cost of a transplant is up to Rs 6 million, which is significantly lower than the $70,000 to $150,000 (and additional expenses) that patients previously had to spend on medical tourism abroad . Before PKLI, nearly 500 Pakistanis traveled to India annually for liver transplants, a dependency the institute has now effectively ended .

🎓 Commitment to Education and Future Growth

PKLI is also solidifying its role as a national hub for medical education and research.

• It offers fellowship programs accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) in 14 disciplines, currently training 93 fellows, with 25 having already graduated .
• It has established the Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (ION & AHS) to strengthen capacity building .
• Future plans include the establishment of a PKLI University, a BioBank Research Facility, and the launch of medical tourism initiatives to further elevate Pakistan's standing in global healthcare .

In summary, PKLI's journey from being rendered "non-functional" to performing over 1,000 life-saving liver transplants and serving millions stands as a powerful testament to its resilience and the dedication of its team. It has truly become a symbol of national pride, medical excellence, and compassionate service .

I hope this detailed overview of PKLI's recent achievements is helpful. Would you like to know more about its specific departments or the process for seeking treatment there?

 

 

ACHIEVMENTS IN 2026 SO FAR

2026 has already been a landmark year for the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI), marked by significant surgical breakthroughs, the continuation of its high-volume transplant success, and its emergence as a global hub for medical education and innovation. The institute has further solidified its position as a world-class center for advanced healthcare.

Here is a detailed overview of PKLI's achievements so far in 2026.

Achievement Area	Details and Key Statistics	Date / Source
Surgical Milestones	Surpassed 500 robotic surgeries . Performed Pakistan's first robotic Whipple surgery for pancreatic/bile duct cancer . Performed Pakistan's first robotic right hemi-hepatectomy (liver resection) .	Feb 2026
Pioneering Transplants	Successfully conducted a "domino liver transplant" : a mother donated to her child, and the child's liver was transplanted into another child with a different metabolic condition .	Feb 2026
Continued Transplant Success	Surpassed 1,200 kidney transplants and 16 bone marrow transplants , adding to the >1,000 liver transplants reported earlier .	March 2026
Education & Research	Hosted the inaugural PKLI International Symposium 2026 in Lahore, with over 3,000 participants and international experts . Announced expansion of future projects: PKLI University, a BioBank Research Facility, a deceased donor program, and promotion of medical tourism .	Feb 2026
Patient Care & Outreach	Approximately 80% of patients continue to receive free treatment . Conducted nearly 14,500 surgical procedures overall, with 18 preventive and specialty clinics established .	March 2026

🏆 Pioneering Surgical Achievements

The first two months of 2026 have been particularly remarkable for PKLI's surgical program, showcasing its adoption of cutting-edge technology.

• 500 Robotic Surgeries Milestone: In February 2026, PKLI celebrated completing 500 robotic surgeries, a testament to its commitment to precision medicine . This milestone was achieved under the leadership of Dr. Noman Zafar and was praised by Chairman Prof. Saeed Akhtar and Dean Prof. Faisal Dar as a major step in providing international-standard healthcare in Pakistan .
• Historic Firsts in Robotic Surgery: The institute also performed two groundbreaking, complex procedures for the first time in Pakistan:
• Robotic Whipple Surgery: This complex operation, medically known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is used to treat cancers of the pancreas and bile duct. Using robotic technology allows for smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery for patients .
• Robotic Right Hemi-Hepatectomy: This procedure involves the surgical removal of the right lobe of the liver, typically to treat tumors or severe liver disease .

💡 Groundbreaking Transplant Innovation

Beyond robotic surgery, PKLI's transplant team achieved a remarkable medical feat with a complex and innovative procedure.

• Domino Liver Transplant: In a groundbreaking case, surgeons performed a domino liver transplant. A mother donated a portion of her liver to her child, who had a metabolic disorder. In a unique second step, the diseased liver segment removed from the first child was successfully transplanted into another child suffering from a different metabolic condition. Prof. Saeed Akhtar reported that all three patients recovered successfully, with dramatic clinical improvements .

📈 Continued Growth in Transplant Volumes and Patient Care

Building on its record-breaking performance from previous years, PKLI has continued to provide high-volume, life-saving care.

• Transplant Numbers: As of March 2026, Chairman Prof. Saeed Akhtar confirmed that PKLI has now successfully performed over 1,200 kidney transplants and 16 bone marrow transplants. This builds on the more than 1,000 liver transplants announced in late 2025 .
• Patient Throughput: The institute has conducted nearly 14,500 surgical procedures overall. Crucially, it maintains its core mission of accessibility, with approximately 80% of deserving patients receiving treatment completely free of charge. A network of 18 preventive and specialty clinics has also been established to expand its reach .

🌍 A Hub for Medical Education and Future Growth

PKLI's influence now extends beyond direct patient care, as it solidifies its role as a center for learning and innovation.

• PKLI International Symposium 2026: In February, PKLI hosted its inaugural international symposium in Lahore . The two-day event attracted over 3,000 participants, including distinguished national and international medical experts, and featured comprehensive scientific sessions on organ transplantation, innovative research, and advanced surgical techniques . Pre-symposium workshops allowed for collaboration and training on advanced procedures .
• Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, PKLI is actively working on several major projects to further elevate Pakistan's healthcare landscape :
• Establishment of PKLI University.
• Creation of Pakistan's first advanced BioBank Research Facility.
• Launch of a deceased donor transplant program.
• Promotion of medical tourism to attract patients from abroad.

In summary, PKLI's achievements in early 2026 demonstrate its rapid evolution into a comprehensive center of medical excellence, marked by pioneering surgeries, innovative transplants, and a strong commitment to education and future growth.