Cancer has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges in Pakistan, placing a growing burden on families and the national healthcare system. In response, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has played a quiet yet transformative role over the past several decades by building and operating a nationwide network of cancer hospitals, providing treatment to millions of citizens.
Today, PAEC operates a countrywide network of 20 cancer hospitals, located strategically to serve populations across Pakistan, including one in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), six in Punjab, five in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), five in Sindh, one in Balochistan, and one in Gilgit-Baltistan, making PAEC one of the largest public-sector providers of cancer care in the country.
The scale of the challenge is evident from recent figures. In 2024 alone, approximately 46,000 new cancer patients were registered at PAEC hospitals, while an additional 10,000 to 15,000 patients were added to annual follow-up lists. Alarmingly, nearly 60 percent of patients present at advanced stages (Stage III and IV), underscoring the urgent need for early screening, awareness, and timely diagnosis.
From Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) specifically, nearly 1,000 new cancer patients travel each year to PAEC hospitals in other provinces to seek treatment, facing long journeys and a financial burden.
To address these critical issues, PAEC has now established the Kashmir Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy (KINOR), the first-ever dedicated cancer hospital in Azad Jammu & Kashmir with the support of the Government of Pakistan.
KINOR has been established with the clear objective of providing comprehensive, high-quality cancer care at the doorstep of the people of AJ&K. Designed to serve a population of approximately 4 to 4.5 million in this region, the hospital represents a major milestone in improving healthcare.
The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies, comparable to leading cancer centres in the country. These include digital mammography systems with high sensitivity for early breast cancer detection, hybrid SPECT gamma camera imaging in Nuclear Medicine for precise diagnosis and disease management, and advanced radiation therapy through a modern linear accelerator in Radiation Oncology.
All diagnostic and treatment services are fully supported by a modern pathology laboratory and delivered by highly qualified, specialized medical, technical, and trained paramedical staff. This integrated approach ensures accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and continuity of care for patients.
While widely known for its contributions to national development, PAEC has quietly emerged as a national leader in nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and cancer management. By introducing advanced technologies, building indigenous expertise, and ensuring affordability, PAEC hospitals serve patients from all socio-economic backgrounds, many of whom would otherwise be unable to access such care.
The establishment of KINOR not only reduces the need for patients from AJ&K to travel long distances but also strengthens early detection and follow-up, a critical factor in improving cancer survival rates.
As cancer incidence continues to rise, PAEC’s expanding network reflects a long-term commitment to public welfare, technological excellence and equitable healthcare access. For the people of AJ&K, KINOR stands as a symbol of hope, bringing modern cancer care closer to home and marking a significant step forward in the fight against cancer in Pakistan.
