ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) has announced a significant transition following the resolution of internal disputes and the attainment of new registration under the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Charities Registration, Regulation, and Facilitation Act, 2021. This restructuring marks a pivotal moment for the association, formally revoking the longstanding registration granted under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, which had been dormant for over 50 years due to non-compliance with statutory obligations.
It is reliably learnt that owing to the recent developments, including the registration of the new ICT registration, the incumbent president has decided to dissolve his version of the PDA with immediate effect. It is also expected that the PDA accounts, website, and other administrative controls would soon be transferred to the newly appointed office bearers, led by PDA President Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Nasim, as part of a smooth transition. “All PDA branches established post-2018 elections will stand dissolved, and a commitment to support the PDA’s continued growth under the new legal framework is now imminent.”
The PDA’s former leadership faced challenges in renewing the original registration due to missing documents and procedural delays, leading them to seek alternatives in recent years. All efforts of the now defunct PDA to comply with renewal requirements, including hiring legal counsel and corresponding with regulatory bodies yielded no results.
The PDA’s long-standing registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, was officially revoked by the Punjab government, due to its failure to comply with mandatory filing requirements and other statutory obligations. The Punjab Home Department and the Registrar, Joint Stock Companies, had repeatedly issued notices since 2019, urging compliance. Despite these efforts, the association remained dormant and did not submit required documents, resulting in its removal from official records.
Hopefully, withdrawal of ongoing litigation of PDA and cases filed in the Sindh High Court and Lahore Sessions Court, which had slowed administrative progress is now on the anvil.
It is also hoped that the PDA Karachi file, official seal, and remaining funds would be handed over once the case is formally closed, fostering an atmosphere of unity.
The newly registered PDA, now headquartered at Benazir Plaza on Main Murree Road in Bhara Kahu, Islamabad, plans to revitalize its role in promoting dental health and supporting the dental community nationwide. Under the leadership of President Dr. Khurshid Ahmad, the association has appointed Prof. Ulfat Bashir as Senior Vice President, Prof. M. Umar Farooq Marwat as General Secretary, Dr. Umar Farooq as Finance Secretary, and Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan Baig as Information Secretary.
This transition signals a fresh chapter for the PDA, empowering the association to operate legally under the Charities Act, positioning it to enhance dental care initiatives and professional development programs for dentists across Pakistan. Dr. Ahmad stated that the PDA aims to foster a new era of growth, leaving behind past challenges to focus on advancing dental health in the country.
