Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) appoints Dr Abid Malik as Chief Election Commissioner
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) Central Council has formally appointed Dr Abid Malik as Chief Election Commissioner for the upcoming PDA elections, marking a decisive step toward completing the association’s long-promised democratic transition.
The appointment was notified through an official letter issued by the PDA Central Council and signed by its President, Dr Khurshid Ahmad. The notification calls upon all stakeholders to extend full cooperation to ensure smooth, free, and fair elections.
Veteran dental leader entrusted with election process
Dr Abid Malik brings decades of academic, administrative, and professional leadership to the role. According to the official notification, his credentials include:
- Graduate of de'Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore (1985)
- MSc from the University of London (1990)
- Joined PIMS Islamabad (1986)
- Former Head of Department, Dental Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad
- Former Head of Department, Children Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad
- Former Director MCH and Children's Hospital, Islamabad
- Former Chairman Board of Governors FMTI-PIMS, Islamabad
- Former President, PDA Federal Zone
- Former Member, EDRFRA
- Former Member, Hashoo Foundation
- Presidential Award recipient (2006)
- Philanthropist (running four free dental clinics)
- Currently practicing in Islamabad at Malik Dental Associates
The Central Council stated that his vast institutional experience and professional integrity make him ideally suited to supervise the election process.
Key milestone in PDA’s democratic revival
The appointment follows the major reforms announced by Dr Khurshid Ahmad in October 2025, when the interim PDA leadership restored constitutional governance, announced elections, and committed to audit transparency.
That reform drive came after the previous PDA structure was declared defunct due to prolonged non-compliance. Under Dr Khurshid’s stewardship, the association was re-registered, expanded nationwide, and re-established as a legally recognized professional body.
Election process to be independent, rule-based
By appointing an independent Chief Election Commissioner, the PDA aims to ensure that the electoral process is conducted strictly according to constitutional provisions and professional ethics.
The notification has been circulated to:
- Members of PDA Central Council
- Presidents and General Secretaries of provincial chapters
- Presidents and General Secretaries of city branches
- Registrar, Joint Stock Company, Islamabad
PDA headquarters at Benazir Plaza, Bhara Kahu, Islamabad will coordinate administrative support for the election process.
Restoring trust in professional institutions
Dental leaders view this appointment as a critical institutional safeguard against political interference and internal disputes that historically weakened professional bodies.
Related story: Dr Khurshid fulfills promise of reform, announces PDA elections, amended constitution, and democratic transition
With elections now formally placed under the supervision of a respected senior professional, the PDA is positioned to complete what it has described as its democratic transition, returning authority to elected representatives of Pakistan’s dental community.
The Central Council reiterated that the future of the association depends on unity, constitutional governance, and transparent leadership, urging all members to participate constructively in the electoral process.
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