The Pakistan Association of Dermatologists (PAD) was founded in January, 1979. The idea for a body to represent Dermatologists of the Country was conceived for the simple reason that none existed. The vision conceived by Dr. Nusrat Ali Shaikh, Prof. Syed Ghulam Shabbir, Prof.Tahir Saeed Haroon, Dr. Aleem Saeed Qureshi and Dr. Zarina Fazalbhoy 25 years ago is now an established reality and the Pakistan Association of Dermatologists today has over 230 life members. The Constitution was drafted by Dr. Tahir Saeed Haroon and Dr. Aleem Saeed Qureshi. Objectives of this Forum were to provide a platform to the Dermatologists of the Country to meet their colleagues and contemporaries from allied disciplines, to hold regular meetings to promote the cause of Dermatology , encourage research and presentation of scientific papers allied to Dermatology, to improve patient care, to promote teaching of Dermatology at both Undergraduates and Postgraduates level and to formulate policies on matters related to Dermatology in Pakistan in Association with the Government authorities. Karachi was chosen as the Headquarter of the Association. The first office bearers of this blossoming Association were Dr. Nusrat Ali Shaikh (President), Dr. Tahir Saeed Haroon (General Secretary), Dr. Aleem Saeed Qureshi (Joint Secretary), Dr. Mrs. Malik Tharani (Treasurer), Prof. Syed Ghulam Shabbir (Chairman Editorial Board) and Dr. Zarina Fazalbhoy, Dr. Jalil Siddiqui, Dr. A. Sajid Khan and Dr. Iqbal A. Chaudhry as Executive Members. Dr. Badr Dhanani is the current President of PAD  and Dr. Naeem Iqbal  is the General Secretary (2005-2006).

At the time of inception, PAD comprised of only 33 Life and Associate Members, today PAD has over 230 Life Members.  The first National Conference of Dermatology was held at Karachi in 1982 whereas the first International Conference was organized at Rawalpindi in 1983. Since 1982, these Annual Conferences have become a regular event. These are attended by a large number of delegates not only from Pakistan but also from other Countries. These conferences provide interaction between senior academicians and youngsters and promote continuous medical education programme. New office bearers are selected after every two years in the general body meeting. So far 23 Conferences have been organized. In December, 2004, PAD held its Silver Jubilee Conference at Karachi, where it started 25 years ago.  Dr Khurshid Alvi was the Chairperson & Dr Badr Dhanani was the Organizing Secretary of this event.
Besides Annual Conferences, PAD has been actively involved in various academic and clinical activities. Monthly clinical meetings are held in different cities in which interesting clinical cases are discussed and lectures are delivered on Dermatological and allied subjects by the Dermatologists and other eminent personalities from allied disciplines. Juniors are particularly encouraged to participate. Courses and seminars on dermatology are arranged for Family Physicians. Free consultation camps are held in outreach areas to provide free clinical consultation and medicines.

Various recommendations are sent to the government, from time to time. A scheme to provide financial assistance to postgraduate trainees has been planned. PAD is also a member of International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and South Asian Regional Association of Dermatology (SARAD).


Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists (JPAD) is the official journal of the association. Published quarterly, it primarily aims at documenting the local research. The first issue of JPAD was distributed in 1992 by Dr. Sharaf Ali Shah who was the editor till 1997.  Later Dr. Yasmeena Khan took over as the editor of JPAD. Due to her efforts the standard of the journal improved and was published regularly. It was recognized by PMDC, was registered with ISSN and indexed in Embase/ Excerpta Medica, Netherlands, and Index Medicus WHO Alexandria, Egypt and it was included in Extra med Consortium in UK. It is also listed in Ulrich's Periodicals Directory, New Jersey USA and in Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre Delhi, India. In 2003 Dr. Yasmeena Khan was succeeded by Dr Ijaz Hussain. Now, the JPAD is also available on-line.