KARACHI: Prof. Dr. Zahida Baqai, the founding vice chancellor of Baqai Medical University (BMU) and a leading figure in Pakistan’s private medical education sector, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025. Her death marks the end of an era defined by ethical healthcare, academic integrity, and institution-building. Members of the medical community described her as a visionary educator whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.
Dr. Baqai dedicated her life to promoting quality medical education rooted in moral responsibility. Colleagues and former students said she believed education was a service to society and healthcare a sacred trust. Over decades, she inspired generations of doctors, teachers, and administrators through her commitment to professionalism, compassion, and discipline.
Building institutions with ethics and purpose
Along with her husband, Prof. Dr. Fareeduddin Baqai, Dr. Zahida Baqai co-founded the Baqai Foundation in the 1970s. The initiative gradually evolved into a comprehensive medical complex, eventually leading to the establishment of Baqai Medical University. Prof. Dr. Fareeduddin Baqai passed away in 2017, but their shared vision continued to guide the institutions they built.
Under her leadership, BMU emerged as one of Pakistan’s most respected private medical universities. Dr. Baqai played a key role in setting high academic standards, promoting research, and ensuring ethical medical practice. Moreover, she stood out as a pioneer for women in higher education leadership at a time when female representation in such roles remained limited.
Tributes and enduring impact
Following news of her passing, doctors, academics, and former students paid tribute to her humility, moral clarity, and mentorship. Many credited her with shaping their professional values and reinforcing the importance of honesty and service in medicine.
Although Prof. Dr. Zahida Baqai is no longer among them, her legacy continues through Baqai Medical University and the wider Baqai Foundation. The institutions she established remain a testament to her belief that ethical education and compassionate healthcare can transform society.
