In the quiet hours of the morning, when most of the city is still asleep, hospital corridors are already alive with purpose. A nurse gently checks a child’s temperature, reassures an anxious family member, adjusts medication for a recovering patient, or offers comforting words to someone facing one of life’s most difficult moments. In another room, a midwife helps welcome a new life into the world. For millions of people, these moments may last only minutes but for nurses and midwives, they represent a lifelong commitment to care, compassion, and service.

Today, however, their role extends far beyond the bedside.

From classrooms and research labs to policy forums and executive boardrooms, nurses and midwives are increasingly emerging as leaders shaping the future of healthcare and it was this evolving role that took center stage as Aga Khan University commemorated International Nurses and Midwives Day 2026.

Held in Karachi, the event was organised by the university’s School of Nursing and Midwifery Pakistan (SONAM) in collaboration with the Aga Khan University Hospital Division of Nursing Services. The gathering brought together healthcare leaders, educators, policymakers, students, and nursing and midwifery professionals from across the country to celebrate the expanding contribution of these professionals at a time when health systems worldwide are facing workforce shortages, rising patient demands, and increasing pressure to deliver quality care.

The event highlighted an important reality: nurses and midwives are no longer confined to traditional caregiving roles. They are now playing vital roles in clinical leadership, education, research, health system management, innovation, and public policy – helping shape stronger and more resilient healthcare systems for the future.

Addressing aspiring healthcare professionals, Dr Salimah R. Walani shared an inspiring message about the growing global demand for the profession.

“This is a great time to become a nurse or a midwife in Pakistan, and globally. Nurses and midwives save lives and improve the health of our populations. With a serious shortage of nurses and midwives globally, the demand for this profession is rising. Young people who are looking for a great rewarding career should choose these professions,” she said.

Her remarks reflected a global reality: according to international health organisations, the shortage of trained nursing and midwifery professionals remains one of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide. For countries like Pakistan, investing in this workforce is increasingly becoming not just a healthcare priority, but a national development imperative.

Echoing this vision, Khairunnissa Hooda emphasised how the profession is driving transformation across the healthcare ecosystem.

“International Nurses and Midwives Day reminds us that nurses and midwives lead healthcare transformation. From bedside to boardroom, they shape decisions, drive innovation, and build resilient health systems. At AKUH, we proudly invest in our nursing workforce who are the leaders of today and architects of the future of healthcare,” she said.

One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding professionals whose dedication, leadership, and excellence have made a lasting impact on the field.

Rabab Vadivala received the Aga Khan University Early Career Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award for her exceptional contributions to pediatric nursing and patient care.

The Aga Khan University Distinguished Nursing Award was presented to Alia Nasir in recognition of her leadership and contribution to nursing education.

Meanwhile, Dr Arusa Lakhani was honored with the Excellence in Midwifery Practice Award for her contributions to graduate education and the advancement of midwifery practice.

Beyond the awards, the celebration also embraced innovation and engagement through an interactive online quiz competition and a leadership roundtable discussion focused on the future of nursing and midwifery in Pakistan. Participants explored critical issues including workforce development, leadership pathways, research opportunities, and the growing role of nurses and midwives in shaping national health policy.

As conversations unfolded throughout the day, one message resonated strongly: the future of healthcare will not be shaped by technology or infrastructure alone. It will also depend on the expertise, leadership, compassion, and vision of those who stand closest to patients in their most vulnerable moments.

By reaffirming their commitment to advancing nursing and midwifery through education, research, clinical excellence, and service, Aga Khan University and Aga Khan University Hospital are helping ensure that Pakistan’s next generation of nurses and midwives is prepared not only to care but to lead.