KARACHI, Aug 29: A special issue of the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA) was launched at a ceremony that was held at the PMA House on Saturday. The issue and the ceremony in which it was launched were aimed at celebrating the life and achievements of the late Prof Sarwar Zuberi.

Speaking on the occasion, president of the central chapter of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Dr Hadi Bakhsh Jatoi, said the manner in which Prof Zuberi died should make doctors realize that every precaution be taken that a similar incident did not happen.

He was of the opinion that Prof Zuberi was lucky in that she died after leading a fairly long life which was eventful. "In contrast, many 'ordinary' patients die young, without any chance really to show off their talents," said Dr Jatoi.

The biggest achievement of Prof Zuberi, he said, was that she put Pakistan on the map of international research, through the JPMA which she edited for more than 25 years.

Dr Shershah Syed said Prof Zuberi was small-statured but because she was a woman of substance, she left deep imprints on the minds and hearts of all those who came in contact with her. She created a world of her own, in the shape of the JPMA, which was not going to end because she had left behind a trained team of dedicated people.

Dr Fatima Jawad, who took over the stewardship of the JPMA after Prof Zuberi's death, said she was 'ignorant' when she met Prof Zuberi for the first time about 28 years ago. "But it was because of Prof Zuberi that I learned to write articles that were good enough to be published in international journals."

Dr Jawad promised that she would do everything possible to keep the standards of the JPMA as high as ever. In her speech, Dr Huma Qureshi said Prof Zuberi not only taught her how to write good papers but also helped her become a good hepatologist.

Dr Badar Siddiqui was of the view that Prof Zuberi's handiwork - the JPMA - stood tall on the shelves of international journals as it was comparable to any good publication in the world.

Dr Deen Mohammad Mirza from Lahore said the doctors in Punjab viewed with envy the JPMA which was taken out with a punctuality which was exemplary. He expressed the hope that the quarterly would be taken out with the same zeal and dedication as before.

The medical community had produced very few role models, said Prof Tipu Sultan. "But Prof Zuberi was someone who can be seen as a role model by the young doctors of today. She was honest, dedicated and above all kind."

Dr Shafiqur Rehman announced that one of the operation theatres in the Civil Hospital Karachi would soon be named after the late professor. Others who spoke on the occasion included: Dr Aziz Khan Tank, Dr Shahid Malik, Dr Azeemuddin Zahid, Prof Zahid Zuberi, Dr Baseer Achakzai and Dr Alam Ara.