PESHAWAR: Dr Saadia Ilyas, the head of paediatric cardiology department, has been appointed medical director of the oldest medical teaching institution Lady Reading Hospital on the recommendation of the selection committee, constituted by Board of Governors of the hospital.

A press release said here on Monday that she was the first woman medical director of LRH, showing the level of commitment to stick to merit, excellence and visionary leadership.

A graduate of Khyber Medical College, Dr Saadia got postgraduate training in United Kingdom from where she obtained MRCPCH and FRCPCH degrees in addition to being Fellow of Paediatric and Congenital Interventional Cardiovascular Society. “Her appointment is meant to upgrade all specialties,” said the press release.

LRH spokesperson Mohammad Asim told Dawn that Dr Saadia was an internationally acclaimed clinician and educator. He said that she frequented foreign countries where she was invited to address international scientific conferences on the latest research. She is also examiner for MRCPCH (UK).

The meeting of BoG held with its chairman Prof Nausherwan Burki in the chair approved her name for the position. Paediatric cardiology has shown improvement owing to fostering collaborations with leading international institutions that have benefitted local patients.

Mr Asim said that the BoG expressed its confidence that under the leadership of Dr Saadia the hospital would continue to strengthen excellence in patient care, clinical governance, medical education and research.

He said that BoG, faculty, staff, and administration extended their heartfelt congratulation to Dr Saadia Ilyas, an associate professor, and wished her every success in that distinguished leadership role.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2026