NEW YORK, Dec 17 (APP): Dr. Rafiq Jan, a prominent Pakistani-American physician and social activist, died of heart attack Sunday night. He was 86.
Dr. Jan, who hailed from Hangu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was rushed to a hospital after he collapsed at his residence in Yonkers, New York, but doctors could not revive him.
He leaves behind a wife and five children.
A graduate of King Edward Medical University, Dr. Jan and was among the first of Pakistani medical doctors to come to the United States in 1958.
As a patriot, he served the Pakistani community with diligence and
always worked to keep it united. At community events here, he used to sing the Pakistan National Anthem in his vibrant voice and ask every one to join him. “I live in America, but my heart is in Pakistan,” he used to say.
He was a patron/member of a number of organizations, including the
Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), which has over 5,000 members.
Dr. Jan slowed down his activities after his previous heart attack
several years ago. Before that, he used to go to Pakistan every year and set up free eye camps in Hangu and elsewhere and provide treatment to the poor.
His palatial house in Yonkers, N.Y., was the venue of many community
events. A gracious host, he used to entertain visiting Pakistani leaders, officials, sportsmen and film stars.
Dilip Kumar was one of his close friends. Te iconic star used to visit
Dr. Jan’s residence whenever he came to the United States.
