Gastroenterology is the medical specialty focused on the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. It deals with conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer.
In Pakistan, gastroenterological issues are widespread due to poor sanitation, contaminated water, and limited public awareness. Diseases such as hepatitis B and C, peptic ulcers, and liver cirrhosis are especially common. Fortunately, Karachi is home to some of the most skilled gastroenterologists offering advanced diagnostics and therapeutic procedures.
1 Prof. Dr. S. M. Wasim Jafri
Qualifications: MBBS (University of Karachi), MRCS (Eng), MRCP (UK), FRCP (London, Edinburgh, Glasgow), FACP, FACG, FASLD, MACG
Positions: Professor of Medicine & Head of Gastroenterology at Aga Khan University Hospital; Director, WGO Training Center (Karachi)
Achievements: Introduced gastroenterology in Pakistan; received Lifetime Achievement Awards; Master of ACG award (2018); H-index ~66, >23,000 citations
Profiles: South City Hospital, Wikipedia
2 Dr. Ajeet Kumar Lohana
Qualifications:
- MBBS (2010) from LUMHS
- MRCP (UK, 2015) – Shifaam Profile
- FCPS Gastroenterology (2019) – Instacare Profile
Experience & Roles:
- Consultant Gastroenterologist at Burhani Hospital, Cancer Foundation Hospital, and Medicare Cardiac & General Hospital
- Former ERCP lead at Murshid Hospital
- Instructor at Aga Khan University
- Founder of DR-AK Lohana Clinics and Endoscopy Services — a modern cadre center offering 360° care for gut and liver diseases
Recent International Training:
In 2025, Dr. Lohana completed a four-month advanced clinical training program at National Taiwan University Hospital, under the mentorship of Prof. Yu-Ting Kuo and Prof. Hsui Po Wang. This program focused on cutting-edge procedures such as:
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) for pancreatic and biliary diagnostics
- SpyGlass™ cholangioscopy for direct bile duct visualization
- Third-space endoscopy including POEM for achalasia
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and submucosal dissection (ESD) for early GI cancers
- Advanced ERCP techniques including stenting, stone extraction, and biliary drainage
- GI oncology coordination integrating endoscopy with radiology and surgical planning
This international exposure has elevated his practice in Karachi, enabling him to deliver precision-oriented, minimally invasive care that rivals global standards.
Achievements:
- Best Oral Presentation at PSSLD Annual Conference (2018)
- Best Oral Presentation at PSG Annual Conference (2019)
- Travel Awards for World Congress of Gastroenterology and Asian Pacific Digestive Week
Why He Stands Out:
Dr. Lohana is a visionary gastroenterologist who blends global expertise with local accessibility. His clinic is a one-stop center with gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and internists under one roof — delivering precision care to patients across Karachi. He has pioneered ERCP services in both budget-friendly hospitals and premium setups, and now integrates Taiwan-acquired skills to offer advanced diagnostics and therapeutic procedures with minimal recovery time.
Location:
DR-AK Lohana Clinics and Endoscopy Services on Google Maps
Website: doctoraklohana.com, 03033638304, 03343646307
3 Prof. Dr. Saeed Sadiq Hamid
Qualifications: MBBS, MRCP, FRCP, FACP, FACG
Roles: Professor & Director of Clinical Trials Unit — AKU; former Chair of Medicine
Leadership: Held roles in WHO, PSSLD, APASL; author of 150+ publications
Projects: HCV micro-elimination in Sindh (Global Hepatitis Alliance)
4 Prof. Dr. Zaigham Abbas
Qualifications: MBBS (Dow), FCPS, FRCP (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ireland)
Appointments: Head of Hepatogastroenterology at Ziauddin University Hospital; Director of Liver Transplant Program
Leadership: Ex-Dean at CPSP; Governor of ACG; contributor to APASL, WGO, PSSLD
Research: 200+ publications; established GI training at SIUT
5 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lubna Kamani
Qualifications: MBBS, FCPS (Medicine & Gastro), MRCP (UK), FRCP (London), ERCP Fellowship (Thailand)
Roles: Associate Professor & Residency Director at Liaquat National Hospital; consultant at AKU
Advocacy: Leads WillMed initiative for women in medicine
Services: ERCP, colonoscopy, EUS, biopsies, stenting (Healthwire)
6 Dr. Nasir Luck
Qualifications: MBBS, FCPS
Role: Senior interventionalist at SIUT
EUS Expertise: Co-authored study on EUS-guided interventions with Dr. Adeel Ur Rehman (Lippincott Journals)
7 Dr. Shanil Qadir
Qualifications: MBBS (Dow, 2001); UK-trained
Institution: Consultant at South City Hospital
Expertise: Advanced endoscopy services
8 Dr. Amna Subhan Butt
Qualifications: MBBS
Role: Consultant Gastroenterologist at AKUH; practices at Consulting Clinic, Stadium Road
Profile: Oladoc
