KARACHI: In a groundbreaking achievement for the Pakistani startup landscape, health-tech startup Sehat Kahani has become the first all-women led company from the South Asian nation to secure $2.7 million in Series A funding, the firm said in a statement on Thursday.
Amaanah Circle, a Singapore-based health-tech fund led by Dr. Razi Yousuf, spearheaded the funding, joined by key investors including Epic Angels, a female-only investor collective, Cross Fund, USAID Investment Promotion Activity (IPA), Augmentor, Impact Investment Exchange(IIX) and the Elahi group of companies.
Sehat Kahani is among a myriad of social enterprises — businesses seeking to build a better world — that are innovating to plug health care gaps in developing countries, a task given added urgency by the COVID-19 crisis.
“Sehat Kahani is an incredible health-tech story led by Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram and Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga. Amaanah Circle (Singapore) is proud to contribute to the subject matter expertise, and in upscaling regionally and globally to the overall vision of Sehat Kahani in the future of digital health and preventive health care,” Yousuf said in a statement.
Sehat Kahani’s technology ensures a “seamless virtual connection” between doctors and patients within 60 seconds, offering on-demand at-home or on-premise laboratory services and online medicine delivery. The platform caters to a diverse nationwide patient base, including B2B clients, B2C consumers, and underserved populations in rural areas.
Sehat Kahani extends its corporate application into a comprehensive OPD management solution, providing corporate employees and their families 24/7 hassle-free and cashless access to specialists, online medicine delivery, and efficient claims management.
“The holistic 360-degree well-being program for corporates emphasizes health promotion and preventative care. The Consumer Application, operational in over 310 cities and towns across Pakistan, integrates seamlessly into prominent banking and lifestyle platforms, ensuring affordable and accessible health care,” the statement added.
Founder Khurram said the funding infusion marked “a pivotal moment for Sehat Kahani.”
“It will enable us to develop advanced features, including decision support systems, precision medicine tools, and predictive AI models to help our patients live fully by knowing their disease better,” she said.
Co-founder Aga said the company had shown average year on year growth of 141 percent in the last three years, overcoming the myth that telemedicine was only beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have seen five times the cumulative growth in the number of consultations in the post covid era,” Aga said. “This gives us the confidence to expand operations to other countries and take Sehat Kahani global as our next move for expansion.”
In 2021, Khurram was announced as one of the five winners of the ‘WE Empower UN SDG Challenge,’ a first-of-its-kind global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring communities in their respective countries.
As COVID-19 strained Pakistan’s health system after 2020, the founders of Sehat Kahani decided to tap into tens of thousands of women doctors sitting at home, their talents squandered in a country where millions have no access to medical care.
Many families encourage their daughters to study medicine not for a career, but to bolster their marriage prospects. The phenomenon even has a name — “doctor-brides”.
Appalled by the waste of expertise, Khurram and Aga set up their telemedicine platform enabling female medics to provide e-consultations from their homes to patients in rural communities.
Sehat Kahani also liaised with the Pakistani federal government to provide free consultations to all patients during the first wave of COVID-19. They also installed apps in hospital intensive care units treating COVID patients, allowing junior doctors to get immediate advice from critical care experts based elsewhere.
Sehat Kahani becomes first all-women Pakistani company to raise $2.7 million Series A funding
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Sehat Kahani becomes first all-women Pakistani company to raise $2.7 million Series A funding
- Sehat Kahani’s technology ensures a “seamless virtual connection” between doctors and patients within 60 seconds
- The health-tech startup has shown a significant average year-on-year growth of 141% in the last three years
Pakistan marks Saudi National Day with greater zeal after landmark defense pact
- Pakistan’s capital Islamabad shows portraits of Crown Prince Mohammed with Pakistani leaders, with buildings adorned with Saudi flag color
- Focal Minister for Saudi Arabia Musadik Malik says the recent defense pact has brought new zeal to historic partnership between both nations
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating the Saudi National Day today, Tuesday, with greater zeal after both countries signed a landmark defense agreement this month, official said, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening their brotherly ties and expanding cooperation across every sphere.
The Saudi National Day is celebrated each year on September 23 to commemorate the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz. This year, it comes days after Pakistan and the Kingdom signed a ‘Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement.’
Under the pact signed in Riyadh, aggression against one country would be treated as an attack on both. The deal, sealed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to the Kingdom this month, is meant to enhance joint deterrence and deepen decades of military and security cooperation.
To mark the Saudi National Day, Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has been decorated with Saudi flags and pictures of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with buildings adorned with green lights symbolizing the color of the Saudi flag.
“Every single time, whether it was economic hardship, or if there was any kind of defense-related situation, we always found the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] by our side and every single time, any issue, if Saudi [Arabia] needed support of Pakistan on any issue, whether it be foreign policy or any other issue, we have been by their side,” Musadik Malik, Pakistan’s climate change minister who is also the focal person for Pakistan-Saudi Arabia bilateral collaboration, told Arab News, explaining the depth of their bilateral ties.
“This formalization [of a defense agreement] has created a new zeal among the people of Pakistan and also the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. So, I think, you would see the same things, all those things that have been happening forever, but with a greater zeal.”
This is the first time Pakistan will hold the Saudi National Day ceremony at the spacious Convention Center building in Islamabad on Tuesday evening, which is likely to be attended by top Pakistani government functionaries, officials of the Saudi embassy and other dignitaries.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Sharif issued their special congratulatory messages for the occasion.
“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and to the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of their National Day,” Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This day is a reminder of how, in a relatively short span of time, Saudi Arabia has set remarkable examples of progress and stability under its wise and determined leadership.”
The bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is rooted in trust, devotion and brotherhood, according to the president.
“For the people of Pakistan, our spiritual connection with the Kingdom is deepened by the presence of Islam’s two holiest sites— the Holy Ka’aba and the Masjid-e-Nabwi. This sacred link lends an enduring strength and uniqueness to our friendship,” he said.
“We take pride in the fact that in recent days our ties have reached new milestones. The fresh partnership forged in the fields of defense and security is not only a reflection of our mutual trust but also a vital step toward peace and stability in the region.”
In his message on the Saudi National Day, PM Sharif extended his warmest congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed and the people of Saudi Arabia for the exceptional development journey of the Kingdom.
“Millions of Pakistanis consider Saudi Arabia their second home, and are actively involved in its construction and development. The services of Pakistani brotherhood in Saudi Arabia are the cause of cordial relations, prosperity and progress between the two brotherly countries,” he said.
“Today, on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, I reiterate my resolve on behalf of Pakistan that we are determined to further strengthen this long-lasting partnership. May Allah Almighty always bless the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with progress and glory.”
Pakistan’s space agency to unveil ‘Sky Clinic’ telemedicine solution at Karachi expo today
- The telemedicine terminal, designed to serve remote communities in Pakistan, is powered by SUPARCO’s satellite system
- It combines diagnostic tools, monitoring devices and real-time consultations to bridge the health care accessibility gap
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, said on Monday it would showcase its ‘Sky Clinic’ telemedicine solution at the ITCN Asia 2025 technology expo in Karachi on Sept. 23-25, which aims to expand health care access to underserved communities in the country.
The state-of-the-art telemedicine terminal, designed to provide quality health care services to underserved and remote communities across Pakistan, is powered by SUPARCO’s own satellite system and ensures secure, reliable and high-speed connectivity even in the most challenging terrains.
By combining advanced diagnostic tools, vital signs monitoring devices, and real-time doctor consultations, Sky Clinic bridges the health care accessibility gap by bringing medical expertise directly to patients, according to the national space agency.
“With seamless integration into health record systems and rapid deployment capabilities, the solution offers a practical model for expanding health care access,” it said in a statement.
“The terminal is portable, user-friendly, and supported by PakSat MM1 satellite connectivity, enabling uninterrupted service delivery with nationwide coverage.”
In May last year, SUPARCO launched Pakistan’s first multi-mission communication satellite, PAKSAT MM1, into space through Chinese assistance, which became fully operational by Oct. 2024.
The agency has also been playing a key role in supporting disaster management by providing satellite imagery, flood monitoring data, crop assessment, urban planning and even climate studies.
“The [telemedicine] system’s comprehensive approach redefines how health care can be delivered to areas where conventional medical infrastructure is limited or absent,” it said, inviting visitors and industry professionals to explore solution at the ITCN Asia and witness firsthand how space technology is transforming health care access in Pakistan.
Pakistan joins Arab-Islamic consultations to forge unified stance on key issues at UNGA
- The consultations were hosted by Qatari PM, which also included deputy PMs and FMs from Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Indonesia
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar assures Islamabad’s support for all efforts aimed at fostering peace, stability and prosperity in Middle East, beyond
ISLAMABAD: Leaders from Pakistan, Arab Gulf nations and other Muslim states met on Monday in New York to ponder a unified approach on key regional and global issues at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Pakistani foreign office said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the Pakistan delegation to New York as the General Assembly High-level Week 2025 kicked off on Monday, with global leaders in attendance and Tuesday, Sept. 23 set to be the first day of the high-level General Debate at the 80th session.
On Monday, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, represented Pakistan in consultations hosted by Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in New York, which also included deputy prime ministers of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia and Turkiye.
Dar underscored that the people of Pakistan had great affinity for their Muslim brethren in the Middle East and would support all constructive endeavours aimed at fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
“The ministers exchanged views and coordinated positions for unified approach on some of the key issues at the UN General Assembly session,” the Pakistani foreign office said.
The UNGA session comes in the backdrop of Israel’s nearly two-year war on Gaza and the recent strikes against Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital of Doha, which raised fears of a wider military conflict in an already volatile region and drew condemnations from the Muslim world.
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is being held under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
From Sept. 23 till Sept. 29, the session will feature speeches from presidents, prime ministers and monarchs who will deliver national statements, set out visions for peace, development, human rights and collective action at the iconic green marble podium.
Pakistan PM Sharif as well as various world leaders will also take part in the “High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” which will be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
In a statement on Sunday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Sharif will urge the international community to resolve the crises in Palestine and disputed Kashmir territory and grant the people there the right to self-determination. The Pakistani prime minister will call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinians.
“He will also highlight Pakistan’s perspective on the regional security situation as well as other issues of international concern, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development,” the statement said.
“The prime minister will also participate in a meeting of select Islamic leaders with US President [Donald] Trump to exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security.”
Sharif is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and senior UN officials to discuss matters of mutual interest, according to the Pakistan foreign ministry. He will also underline Pakistan’s resolve to work with all UN member states to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace and promote global prosperity in Pakistan’s current role as a member of the Security Council.
Pakistan’s largescale manufacturing recorded 8.9 percent year-on-year growth in July, official says
- The figure constituted a 37-month high and a 2.6 percent month-on-month increase, with momentum building at start of the fiscal year
- The development comes as Pakistan, bolstered by a $7 billion IMF program, makes efforts to boost exports for a sustained recovery
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s largescale manufacturing industries recorded an 8.9 percent year-on-year growth in July 2025, the country’s finance adviser said on Monday, amid a positive economic outlook.
The figure constituted a 37-month high and a 2.6 percent month-on-month increase, with momentum building at the start of the fiscal year 2025-26, which also begins in July, according to Finance Adviser Khurram Schehzad.
Furniture recorded 87 percent growth, automobiles 58 percent, transport 46 percent, apparel 25 percent, cement 17 percent, paper 15 percent and food products witnessed 7 percent growth, with textiles, pharma and IT equipment also showing resilience.
The development comes as Pakistan, bolstered by a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, makes efforts to boost its exports and attract foreign investment to ensure a sustained economic recovery.
“The broad-based industrial growth reflects a reviving economy, improving consumer demand, and strengthening confidence in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector,” Schehzad said on X.
Islamabad views trade and investment as key to escaping a prolonged macroeconomic crisis that has put a strain on its fragile economy.
“With multiple industries back in the expansion mode (decline in cost of capital, energy and change in direction of travel in taxation), the outlook signals sustained economic recovery and resilience ahead,” Schehzad added.
Police nab 89 suspected militants in anti-terror sweep in Pakistan’s Punjab
- Arrested militants were planning attacks at various locations to spread fear and panic, counter-terrorism department says
- Statement came hours after 24 people were killed in a blast at a compound reportedly used by Pakistani Taliban in northwest
ISLAMABAD: Police in Pakistan’s Punjab province have arrested 89 suspected militants in hundreds of intelligence-based operations across the province over the past three months, they said on Monday, amid a surge in militancy in the South Asian country.
Pakistan is currently battling an insurgency led by religiously motivated groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, which borders Punjab. The attacks in KP this year forced Punjab authorities to heighten security in the region.
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police conducted 940 raids and arrested 28 militants from Lahore and Rawalpindi, seven each from Faisalabad and Bahawalpur, 12 from Jhang and Sargodha, five from Sahiwal, four from Gujranwala and six from Gujrat and Bahawalnagar districts.
“Among the arrested militants were 55 linked to Fitna Al-Khawarij [Pakistani Taliban], five to Daesh, two to Al-Qaeda, two to Hizb ul-Tahrir and two to Jiye Sindh,” the Punjab CTD said in a statement.
“In the last three months, 13,521 combing operations were carried out during which 1,131 suspects were arrested.”
It said officials seized explosives, detonators, safety fuses, propaganda pamphlets, cash, primacord and other materials from the suspects, who were “planning attacks at various locations” to spread fear and panic among public.
The statement came hours after at least 24 people, including militants and civilians, were killed when a suspected bomb-making facility exploded on Monday at a compound used by Pakistani Taliban fighters in KP’s Tirah valley, according to media reports.
Fifteen people were killed this month in a suicide bombing claimed by the Daesh group at a political rally in the provincial capital Quetta.
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), Pakistan is the world’s second-most affected country by militant violence, with deaths rising 45 percent to 1,081 in 2024.
The 12th annual GTI report, published by Australia-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace, ranked 163 countries in 2024, covering 99.7 percent of the world’s population and analyzing the impact of militant activities worldwide. Pakistan is second only to West African country Burkina Faso on the list.
Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad broke down in Nov. 2022. The country faces another decades-long insurgency by Baloch separatists in its southwestern Balochistan province.
Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan of allowing the use of its soil and India of backing militant groups for attacks against Pakistan. Kabul and New Delhi deny the allegation.
