Pride for expats: Dubai-based PAD chief Dr Faisel Ikram wins Pakistan award

Dubai: In a proud moment for the Pakistani community in the UAE, Dr Faisel Ikram, President of the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), has been honoured with the Government of Pakistan’s prestigious ‘Tamagha-i-Khidmat’ civilian award in recognition of his outstanding community service.

The announcement was made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day, celebrating citizens and overseas Pakistanis who have made exceptional contributions in their fields.

Despite the honour, Dr Ikram, a Consultant General Surgeon and Surgical Gastroenterologist at Mediclinic City Hospital, remains characteristically humble.
“This award is not for me but for the entire organisation, and our community members who constantly contribute through their hours, time, skills, and money,” he said.
“PAD is a volunteer-driven association. It brings in hundreds of volunteers with thousands of volunteer hours put in.”

Now serving his third term as PAD President, Dr Ikram has played a pivotal role in taking the community-run organisation to new heights. One of the landmark achievements under his leadership was the completion of the not-for-profit Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC) in 2020. A first-of-its-kind initiative in the GCC, the centre is open to all nationalities, offering quality healthcare through a unique model that blends volunteer doctors with a dedicated medical team.

“The PMC is not just for Pakistanis, but for everyone,” Dr. Ikram noted proudly. “It shows what a community can achieve when it comes together.”

Under PAD’s umbrella, a wide array of initiatives has touched lives both within the UAE and beyond. From providing financial aid to underprivileged students, supporting prisoners with minor offences, and repatriating them to their families, to Ramadan food ration drives and cultural, sports, and literary events, PAD has become a true hub of social support and community life.

Women and youth empowerment programmes have further strengthened its role, offering training, mentorship, and platforms for entrepreneurship and leadership.

Beyond the UAE, PAD has stood in solidarity with humanitarian causes worldwide, working with the Emirates Red Crescent, Community Development Authority, and Dar Al Ber Society. Last year, the association helped establish a model village in flood-stricken Balochistan.

Earlier this year, PAD also earned a Guinness World Record for its ‘Hands of Unity’ initiative, which saw 25,000 handprints come together to form the UAE flag.

Dr Ikram’s journey with PAD began in 2010 as a volunteer in the association’s medical wing. His steady rise through the ranks reflects his dedication and the trust placed in him by the community.

“This award belongs to the community. It is not about one person, but an entire organisation working selflessly for the greater good,” he said. “We are also grateful to the UAE Government for always facilitating and supporting our work.”