Early Education and Journey into Medicine

Question: Dr. Shehla, let’s start with your early education and how your journey in medicine began.

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram : I am Dr. Shehla Javed Akram. By qualification, I did my MBBS from King Edward Medical University. After that, I went abroad and studied at the University of London as a DTM mentor student. When I came back to Pakistan, I completed my DCH at Mayo Hospital. Learning has always been very close to my heart, so I continued my education even after that. Recently, I’ve completed my PhD in Public Health. Over the years, I also studied quality assurance and HR management—just to understand how these things work. I believe that if you have to advise people, you must know the subject deeply, and the best way to know is to study it. I’m not after degrees, to be honest, it’s the knowledge that interests me. My research has been mostly around vaccines, women’s healthcare, and the health and nutrition issues faced by Pakistani women both physical and mental. I’ve always wanted to understand how our culture impacts women’s health and what can be done to improve it.

Starting Clinical Nutrition in Pakistan

Question: After all your studies, what motivated you to shift from government practice to private innovation?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  After completing my studies, I couldn’t continue with the government job because of family commitments. My husband was equally busy in his medical practice, and with kids, it was difficult to manage emergencies and long hours. So I started thinking how can I still practice as a doctor but in my own way? That’s when I realized Pakistan didn’t have clinical nutrition as a practice. It was a new idea at that time, this is about 40 years ago. It allowed me to work at my own pace, without emergencies, and still stay connected to healthcare. Later, I started teaching clinical nutrition at the Home Economics College. The students were very interested because they saw a future in it. Today, many women are practicing clinical nutrition, even online, and earning from it without compromising their family life. That makes me proud, it was a good start.

The Birth of a Private Hospital and ICU Services

Question: You also played a key role in introducing emergency ICUs in the private sector. How did that come about?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  When we came back from the UK, we noticed that proper emergency ICU facilities were missing in private hospitals. Government hospitals had them, but they weren’t fully functional. The idea actually came when my father-in-law, Justice Akram, fell seriously ill and needed such care but it wasn’t available. That inspired us to set up an emergency medical ICU in the private sector. My husband, Dr. Javed Akram, was an expert in that area, so we worked together on it. It was challenging, but the satisfaction was immense. People appreciated it because it saved lives, and we received great recognition. When you do something with the intention to serve, Allah repays you in ways you can’t imagine.

From Healthcare to Pharmaceuticals

Question: Later you diversified into pharmaceuticals. How did that transition happen?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  It was quite interesting. We didn’t have big financial resources, but we wanted to stay connected to health. My husband and I decided to start something new Dawn Valley Pharma. At that time, the Ministry of Health wasn’t very rigid about rules, and standardization wasn’t as expensive as it is today, so it was an opportunity for newcomers like us. I learned everything hands-on, even traveling to Karachi for training and guidance. That’s how our pharmaceutical journey began about 30 years ago, and today Dawn Valley Pharma exports to 22 countries. We supply to tenders, hospitals, and even the army. It’s been a long, steady growth.

Balancing Roles – Business and Family

Question: You’ve led hospitals, industries, and chambers. How did you manage it all?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  Honestly, my business grew along with my family. When we started our private hospital, I locked my house and moved my family to the upper floor of the hospital for five years. It was a huge decision, but necessary. We lived there, worked there, and that period became the turning point. I don’t recommend this lifestyle to everyone, but that’s what it took. Eventually, the hospital became one of Lahore’s most trusted names.

Leadership and Team Building

Question: What’s your leadership philosophy?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram : Delegation of power. You can’t do everything yourself. You must select the right people, train them, and then trust them. I believe in observing people closely and learning from them. Listening is key. Many leaders fail because they don’t listen. You have to build a team that feels ownership and responsibility.

The Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Question: You’ve been instrumental in establishing the Women Chamber. How did that journey start?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram : Back in 2003, I was elected to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry the first woman ever to win that election. But I soon realized that although it’s a chamber for everyone, it didn’t really cater to women. Men treated me as an equal because I was an industrialist too, but many women didn’t have that comfort level or confidence. They were hesitant to even speak up. I wanted to change that. That’s how the idea of a separate Women Chamber was born. It wasn’t easy legally, there couldn’t be two chambers in one city. We fought that for six years. With the help of President Musharraf, who supported the idea after a brief one-minute meeting, we finally got approval. It was a big achievement. The purpose was simple: to create a platform where women would be taken seriously, respected, and heard.

Women Empowerment and Financial Independence

Question: You’ve worked for women empowerment for years. What does it mean to you?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram : To me, empowerment begins with financial independence. Many women even wealthy ones don’t have control over their own spending. That’s not empowerment. We need to teach women that earning isn’t enough, you should also be able to spend your money as you wish. Enjoy the fruits of your work. It’s your right. I’ve met women who own businesses but still can’t decide what car to buy without permission. That mindset has to change. Empowerment means freedom to make your own choices.

On Harassment and Workplace Challenges

Question: There’s also a dark side harassment at workplaces and even at home. How do you see it?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram : Harassment is a very real issue, and it occurs at all levels whether in homes, workplaces, or public spaces. It cannot be ignored or minimized. One of the underlying problems is that even small instances of harassment often go unchallenged, allowing a culture of tolerance to persist. An effective response requires institutional mechanisms that provide safe, structured, and confidential avenues for reporting and addressing grievances. Establishing committees, support systems, and counseling services within organizations can empower women to speak up without fear of retaliation. Many victims lack the courage, resources, or platform to voice their experiences, making these systems essential. Beyond reporting mechanisms, fostering awareness, training, and a culture of respect are equally critical to prevent harassment and ensure that workplaces and society at large are safe and equitable for everyone.

Industry Academia Collaboration

Question: How do you see the connection between industry and academia in Pakistan?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  The connection between industry and academia in Pakistan is essential, but it requires systematic and purposeful implementation. Educational institutions must take responsibility for managing internships, placements, and industry exposure in a structured manner. Students need practical training, mentorship, and confidence-building opportunities to prepare them for the expectations of the corporate world. Collaboration cannot remain symbolic or merely on paper; it must be meaningful and sustained. Real partnerships should align academic curricula with industry needs, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. By strengthening these links, we can ensure graduates are not only employable but also equipped with the skills, professionalism, and adaptability required to thrive in a competitive and evolving job market.

Pharmaceutical Exports and Growth

Question: Dawn Valley Pharma now exports to 22 countries. How did you achieve that?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  Achieving international reach for Dawn Valley Pharma was a gradual process that required both persistence and supportive government policies. Around twelve years ago, the government took proactive steps to encourage pharmaceutical exports, connecting companies with the right stakeholders, distributors, and trade forums. These interventions provided critical guidance and access to global markets, enabling us to establish a strong international presence.  Today, Dawn Valley Pharma exports to 22 countries across multiple regions, and it is incredibly gratifying to see Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry competing on the global stage. This experience demonstrates that with the right combination of strategic vision, government support, and market engagement, local industries can expand internationally while contributing to national economic growth.

Women Chamber Success Stories

Question: Over the years, what success stories make you most proud?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  There are many. Around ten years ago, we collaborated with the World Business Angels Forum in Turkey. That opened new opportunities. We studied incubation models, success ratios, and started applying them to the Women Chamber. Today, our website has over 300 success stories of women who started from home and are now running businesses. These are ordinary women who transformed their lives and that’s our biggest achievement.

Managing Stress and Staying Positive

Question: With so many responsibilities, how do you deal with stress?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram : I honestly don’t feel stressed. Maybe temporarily, but not really. When you enjoy what you do, stress doesn’t stick around. I’ve always believed in staying positive and moving forward.

A Message for The Legacy Files Team

Question: Any message for The Legacy Files initiative?

Dr. Shehla Javed Akram :  I think the objective of The Legacy Files is very clear—you genuinely aim to highlight inspiring stories and share meaningful lessons. I wish you all the best in this endeavor. My advice would be to focus on building robust systems. Be fully committed to your purpose, and create structures that can sustain themselves over time. Once a strong system is in place, everything else naturally falls into place, and the impact of your work can grow consistently and effectively.