TORONTO: Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari, a distinguished Pakistani public health expert and senior former bureaucrat, has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Ruby Sahota, Canada’s Federal Minister of Law and Homeland Security and Member of Parliament, in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the health sector and his role in strengthening Canada–Pakistan relations.
The certificate was presented during a formal meeting held in Toronto, where Minister Sahota welcomed Dr. Ansari and held detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest. The meeting focused on collaboration in the health sector, bilateral health education exchange programmes, capacity building initiatives, and proposed exchange training programmes in cybersecurity. Issues related to law and order in both Pakistan and Canada were also discussed, along with an exchange of views on Canada’s Bill C-14.
Dr. Ansari briefed the minister on his professional work and initiatives undertaken for Pakistan’s health sector, particularly in public health policy, disease prevention, and public–private partnership models. Minister Sahota acknowledged his efforts and contributions, terming them valuable for fostering people-to-people and institutional linkages between the two countries.
Also present at the meeting were Fahad Iqbal, President of AMPAK Toronto, and Syed Messum Reaz, who participated in the discussions and coordination with full dedication.
Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari is an Executive Member of the Pakistan Canada Business Council under the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry and currently serves as Chairman of its National Standing Committee for Medical and Health Sciences. A renowned public health specialist and pathologist, he has over 37 years of distinguished service, including his tenure as Secretary, Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority, Department of Health, Government of Sindh, where he led major public–private partnership initiatives. He has also served as Director General of the Chemical Laboratories, Government of Sindh.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Ansari has organized more than 30 health awareness and motivational seminars and has played an active role in efforts to combat dengue, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases. He has also served as Group Secretary General and Vice President of Karachi Gymkhana, Patron of Justice Helpline, and President of the Health Committee of the Pakistan Excellence Club.
The meeting was described by participants as productive and forward-looking, marking a meaningful step in acknowledging Dr. Ansari’s lifelong dedication to public service, healthcare leadership, and international cooperation between Pakistan and Canada.
