Our
History
Dr. A. Q. Khan – Institute of Behavioral Sciences (IBS) in Karachi has been providing psychiatric consultation and rehabilitation for over a decade. It was established in 1995 on a donated six-acre plot of land. Initial infrastructure was inaugurated in 1997, with notable donations from figures like Dr. A. Q. Khan and Ardeshir Cowasjee. Governance underwent changes over time, until 2017, resulting in IBS becoming part of Dow University of Health Sciences. Under Brig. Dr. Shoaib Ahmed’s leadership, the institute aims to excel as the best Mental Health service provider in Pakistan.
1975 - 1995
The genesis of IBS dates back to 1975 when Dr. K. Zaki Hassan, the president of the Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH), initiated efforts to secure an amenity plot from the Director General of Karachi Development Authority (KDA). However, despite persistent pursuit, this initial request didn’t materialize. Fast forward to 1995, Dr. Karim Khawaja, another PAMH member, identified a promising piece of land at the OJHA Institute of Chest Diseases. Following a rigorous process, a six-acre plot was earmarked for PAMH to establish what would eventually become the Institute of Behavioral Sciences. The selection, allotment, and physical possession of the land all occurred within the span of a few months, with July 1995 marking the selection, 5th November 1995 the allotment, and 12th November 1995 the physical possession.
1996 - 1997
The inaugural meeting of the Governing Body of IBS convened on 11th January 1996 at the PMA House, marking a significant milestone. It was during this meeting that Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, then Chairman of IBS, announced a donation of Rs. 50,000, while Mr. Sayeed Siddiqui, the Chief Secretary of Sindh, pledged a sum of Rs. 100,000. The infrastructure of the institute received further support with the donation of a prefab structure by ARY, which was inaugurated on 9th August 1997 by the then Governor of Sindh, Lt. Gen. Moin-uddin Haider (Rtd.). This auspicious occasion also saw the first substantial donation of Rs. 1 Million from Mr. Ardeshir Cowasjee for endowment. The Outpatient Department (OPD) and the Department of Community Mental Health commenced operations the following day, marking the practical beginning of IBS’s mission. In its early days, the institute laid down principles for recognizing donors’; contributions. It was decided that complete blocks would be named after donors. Accordingly, the first prefab unit was named “Haji Yaqoob Wali Muhammad,” as proposed by the donor. The spirit of philanthropy was further encouraged by Mr. Saeed Kushtiwala, who suggested naming the new OPD block after “Dr. A. Q. Khan”. Dr. Parveen Shahab orchestrated efforts to organize supporters of IBS, resulting in successful fundraising campaigns.
1998 - 2001
The journey of IBS was not devoid of challenges. While the rules of business were under consideration, the tenure of the Governing Body expired. However, a resolution passed by the General Body of PAMH on 30th May 1998 extended the tenure for another three years. Subsequently, new members were inducted, and Dr. Badar Siddiqui assumed the presidency after the expiry of the second term. PAMH also inducted new members, and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan was nominated as Patron, a designation that was officially gazette notified. Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid was requested to serve as the Chairman of the Governing Body.
2002 - 2017
A pivotal moment in the institute’s history came with pressure to change its name, sparking conflict and disputes that persisted until 11th June 2017. A final settlement was reached between Dr. A. Q. Khan and Dr. Haroon Ahmed at the residence of Prof. Dr. Saeed Quraishy, the Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). Following this resolution, agreed documents were submitted to the Sindh High Court on 5th July 2017. Subsequently, the institute was transferred to Dow University of Health Sciences (D.U.H.S.)
2017 - Present
Under this new umbrella of DUHS, a new Board of Governors was formed, chaired by Prof. Dr. Saeed Quraishy. In its final meeting on 1st August 2017, the Governing Body appointed Brig. Dr. Shoaib Ahmed (Sitara-e-Imtiaz – Military) Rtd. a renowned psychiatrist, as its Executive Director. With his stewardship, the institute continues its journey, aiming to be the pinnacle of mental health service provision in Pakistan.