Syrian-born doctor finds home in Pakistan years after graduation

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Syrian-Educated Cardiologist Calls Karachi Home After Two Decades of Medical Training

KARACHI: Syrian-born cardiologist Abdul Salam Majeed Agha arrived in Pakistan in 2005 at age 18 to pursue his medical degree at Karachi’s Dow Medical College. Twenty‑one years later, the 40‑year‑old now practising cardiologist describes the city that educated him and nurtured his career as his true home.

Agha is employed at Memon Medical Institute and joined Pakistan in 2005 on a scholarship exchanged with Syrian universities. Over two decades his expertise in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional procedures has been honed within the nation’s healthcare system, underscoring enduring academic and professional bonds between Syria and Pakistan.

“Karachi is my home, without any exaggeration,” Agha stated to Arab News last week. “Although it would fall short of a second home, staying for twenty‑one years means it has become effectively my first home today.”

The 40‑year‑old noted that prior to his move abroad he applied for scholarships in multiple nations and had not targeted Pakistan specifically.

“It seems Pakistan chose me—perhaps it has spoken to me,” he replied.

Following graduation from Dow Medical College, Agha advanced his training at Aga Khan University Hospital specializing in internal medicine and cardiology, subsequently focusing on interventional cardiology at the Tabba Heart Institute.

What was initially intended as a brief period evolved into a lifelong residence as he cultivated strong connections with colleagues, peers, and patients throughout his tenure.

“I consider myself a fully Pakistani physician; my fundamental medical knowledge—including the basic clinical assessments—I acquired here on this remarkable homeland.”

However, adapting to life in Pakistan was not straightforward.

Agha arrived knowing little about Pakistani customs and lacked proficiency in Urdu, the nation’s official tongue.

Gradually, he immersed himself in Urdu through daily conversations with patients, whom he regards as mentors who guided his cultural integration.

“My patients indeed served as my instructors,” he remarked.

The protracted conflict in Syria, erupting in early 2011 and intensifying into full‑scale civil war by 2012, cast uncertainty upon his desire to depart for his continent of origin. Instead of returning home or seeking refuge elsewhere—common moves among displaced Syrians—he chose to continue his practice in Pakistan.

“Pakistan embraces me, and I embrace it likewise; therefore, I will persist in this path,” he explained.

A defining moment in his work took place last August, when a patient arrived with a massive heart attack that precipitated cardiac arrest.

Patient case details

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“I urged my team to attempt revascularization, believing that clearing the blocked vessel might rescue the patient,” Agha persisted.

The procedure spanned approximately three and a half hours, ending with discharge ten days onward.

About six weeks later, the patient returned for a formal occasion, appearing before medical teams and personnel who had observed his near‑fatal episode.

He noted seeing onlookers approach with evident emotion, reflecting the profound resonance of the patient’s triumph.

This case bolstered his conviction about serving his own nation—where much of his foundational education occurred.

Although he is now thoroughly versed in virtually every aspect of Karachi life, the most powerful link remains the dedication to care for residents of the city that imparted his expertise.

“It is both an honor and a privilege that the site of my medical foundations now enables me to assist the populace of my hometown,” he affirmed.

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