Syed Ather Enam, Sitara-e-Imtiaz
MD, PhD, FRCSI, FRCSC, FRCSG, FACS
(Diplomate American Board of Neurological Surgeons)
Professor of Neurosurgery
Scientific Director, Juma Research Laboratories
Professor, Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Sakarkhanum & Hussain Ebrahim Family Chair
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Founding President, Pakistan Society of Basic & Applied Neuroscience (PASBAN)
Founding President, Pakistan Society of Neuro-Oncology (PASNO)
Founding President, Pakistan Academy of Neurological Surgery (PANS)
It gives me great honor and pleasure to announce the inauguration of the Pakistan Society of Basic & Applied Neuroscience (PASBAN) on May 12, 2008.
PASBAN is a nonprofit educational and scientific organization chartered by the Government of Pakistan. Through PASBAN, we are hosting Annual Neuroscience Conferences (ANC) from last 6 years and Essential of Neuroscience Course (ENC) from last 3 years. I have seen a very enthusiastic participation in these academic events. It turns out that most of the attendees are students from medical colleges and universities across the country. The culture of science and particularly neuroscience is very rudimentary in Pakistan, but the enthusiasm that exudes from this young audience is very promising.
I welcome membership by the students and trainees who are interested in neuroscience. On behalf of the Executive Committee and the Advisory Board of PASBAN, I invite you all to join us as a member of PASBAN and participate in the activities of PASBAN to improve the neuroscience concepts, to enhance neuroscience research in Pakistan and to stimulate other academic and organizational activities to help PASBAN achieve its mission and goals so that the future generations are fully engaged in more rigorous East-West collaborations for the good of humanity.
We very much look forward to hearing from you if you have any advice or recommendation to enrich the role of PASBAN in Pakistan and worldwide.
President-Elect Message
Prof. Arif Hereker
President-Elect
PASBAN
I have been associated with PASBAN for quite some time and have had the privilege of witnessing its journey — seeing it evolve, flourish, inspire, and build. Personalities like Dr. Athar Enam and Dr. Sadaf and others have made remarkable contributions to this organisation. Their commitment, dedication, and vision have been instrumental in shaping PASBAN into what it is today. The recent addition of the Neuroscience book authored by Dr. Athar is yet another significant milestone and a tremendous boost to our academic and scientific aspirations.
The creation of PASBAN was always important, particularly considering the enormous intellectual and scientific talent that Pakistan possesses — talent that, unfortunately, has often remained unexplored, underutilised, and inadequately supported. PASBAN’s birth and growing presence have provided a much-needed platform where young minds can think independently, express their ideas, contribute meaningfully, and translate their scientific aspirations into reality.
We cannot continue to depend entirely on knowledge and research generated elsewhere. We must develop our own scientific resources, encourage indigenous research, and explore the enormous potential that exists within our country.
One example that remains particularly close to my heart is the first-ever population-based study on headaches that I had the opportunity to complete with a small group of enthusiastic young Dow graduates more than a decade ago. . The study extended into some of the remote regions of Pakistan and demonstrated the immense possibilities that exist for expanding basic and clinical neuroscience research in our country. It also highlighted how much remains unexplored, even within Karachi and its surrounding regions.
Taking over as President of PASBAN is a tremendous responsibility, and certainly not an easy one. It demands vision, dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the cause. I am fully aware of the challenges ahead. However, with the support of a capable and committed team, I am confident that we can take this organisation beyond its present achievements and ensure that PASBAN does not merely move forward but truly flourishes.
Our priority must be to create greater opportunities for young neuroscientists, encourage research and innovation, strengthen academic collaboration, and provide an environment where emerging talent is recognised, nurtured, and empowered.
Let us work together as one team, with a shared vision and a common purpose. Let us remain committed to the cause that brought PASBAN into existence and carry its mission forward with renewed energy and determination.
PASBAN must evolve from an academic organisation into a platform for indigenous neuroscience research and the development of young scientific talent in Pakistan.
May the Almighty guide us, strengthen our resolve, and help us fulfil this responsibility with sincerity and dedication.