Mohammad Ata, MBBS, FRCP, FRCPath, FACP

03/15/1936 – 12/28/2023

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJI'UN  إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

With profound sorrow, we mourn the passing of Dr. Mohammad Ata, a cherished lifetime member of APPNA, who peacefully departed on Thursday, December 28, 2023, in New Jersey. Dr. Ata is survived by his son, Dr. Sana Ur-Rehman Ata, his daughter, Dr. Lubna Ata Alam, and eight beloved grandchildren.

A distinguished alumnus of King Edward Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan, graduating in the class of 1956 at the age of 20. Prof. Ata's legacy spans a career as an erudite educator, esteemed physician, and dedicated philanthropist devoted to serving humanity. His expertise in Clinical Pathology and Hematology, refined through formal training in the United Kingdom, led to his tenure as a Consultant Hematologist until 1974, following which he immigrated to the United States. A lifelong fellow of the American College of Physicians, he established a successful private practice in Baytown, Texas, concurrently serving as the Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, until his return to Pakistan in 2000.

Dr. Ata's impact extended beyond medical practice. His active engagement in community service within Houston and Baytown included 25 years of dedication to the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH), where he undertook significant leadership roles. A testament to his devotion and determination, he memorized the Quran at the age of 55, continuing his recitations in Tarawih even as an octogenarian. His pivotal role in establishing mosques, notably one in Baytown, serves as a further legacy of his faith. After this leadership, he carried his expertise to the Tameer-e-Millat Foundation and Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The 1990s marked the genesis of Dr. Ata's philanthropic journey for Pakistan, joining the Society for International HELP (S.I.H.) alongside visionaries Dr. M. Khalid Riaz (HDF) and Dr. Zaheer Ahmad, the founder of Shifa International Hospital. For over four decades, his dedication to serving the underprivileged in Pakistan remained unwavering. Dr. Ata's instrumental efforts in founding the Falahi (free) Clinic adjacent to Shifa Hospital continue to offer essential medical care to those in need. He authored several books including a textbook for nurses in Urdu and others on the metaphysics of religion and science.

During his tenure at Shifa, his commitment to educational initiatives culminated in the establishment of Shifa Tameer-e-Milat University (STMU), where he acted as its first Chancellor. Prof. Mohammad Ata's unwavering commitment to healthcare, education, and community service leaves an indelible mark and exemplifies sadqa-e-Jariyah. His memory will endure as an inspiration, embodying selfless service and dedication to humanity.

APPNA Board of Directors