History of Taxila
The original name of Taxila was “Takshashila” meaning ‘City of Cut Stone’. Ancient Taxila is a renowned archeological site with a history dating back to the 6th century, BC. Since then, it has been a hub of different cultures including Gandhara, Buddhism, Greek, Mauryan, Kushan, Huns, and Islam. Its affluence in antique times resulted from its location at the intersection of the three great trade routes from eastern India, western Asia, Kashmir, and Central Asia. When these routes ceased to be important, the city sank into insignificance. It was lost to time for nearly 1000 years and was rediscovered in 1880 by Sir Alexander Cunningham and Sir John Hubert Marshall. The remains of the earliest Taxila are marked by the presence of stupas (Place used by monks to meditate) and statues. The five prominent stupas include Dharmarajika, Glen of Giri, Julian, Mohra Moradu, and Jandial. Statues of legendary people in history such as Alexander, the Great, and the eminent ruler Asoka was also found in the city of Taxila. It is interesting to note that part of the original Grand trunk road also passes through ancient Taxila.
Over a period of time, the present-day Taxila has emerged as a modern city, with all facilities including the establishment of the University of Engineering and Technology and the famous Taxila Museum. It is surrounded by Orchids which offers Oranges giving an exclusive culinary experience. The establishment of Mabila Resort at Khanpur dam is also an indicator of modernization. The age-old art of stone cutting has been transformed into modern-day Pottery, a skill which Taxila is famous for.
History of HITEC-IMS
The prettiest plume in the Hat of Taxila was the establishment of a Cantonment and Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) in 1971 as part of Pakistan’s Premier Defense industry. Soon this was followed by the development of Heavy Industries Taxila Education City (HITEC) under HIT, to cater to the educational needs of the local population. HITEC started with a junior and a senior school followed by the establishment of a college and a university offering masters and Ph.D. programs. Soon an engineering University was also established. In the perusal of excellence in education, the Institute of Medical Sciences (HITEC-IMS) was established in 2016.
The institute comprises three different constituent Colleges & Schools:
Medical & Dental Colleges offer five & four year’s basics and clinical training leading to the degrees of MBBS & BDS respectively whereas the Nursing College and the Institute of Allied Health Sciences offers four years degree programs and two years of training for diplomas.
All institutions are affiliated with the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS).
The Medical College of HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences (HITEC-IMS) an ISO 9001:2015 certified institution, underwent its initial inspection by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) on 6 December 2016, followed by formal recognition in January 2017 to admit 100 MBBS students. Since then, the institution has successfully inducted eight MBBS batches with an intake of 100 students each, out of which five batches have graduated to date.
In January 2025, a subsequent PM&DC inspection approved an enhanced intake of 150 MBBS seats, and accordingly, the 9th MBBS batch comprises 150 students. During this inspection, HITEC-IMS achieved an excellent overall score of 91.8%, placing the college in the A+ category, reflective of strong academic and institutional performance.
Further strengthening its standing, HITEC-IMS was inspected by the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) in March 2025, where it secured an outstanding score of 92.59%, once again attaining the A+ category. These achievements underscore the institution’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in medical education.
Dental College, HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences (Dental college, HITEC- IMS) is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Dental college in the private sector in Pakistan. It was inspected and recognized by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC). It offers four years basic and clinical training program leading to a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree. The college is affiliated with the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi.
The institute imparts quality education and necessary skills to young potential dentists. The administration makes all efforts to provide them with an enabling environment; a pre-requisite for an honorable career and professional growth. For clinical and practical training, a Dental Hospital with 75 dental units is affiliated with the institution.
The Institute of Allied Health Sciences (IAHS) is on the front lines of healthcare, providing prompt and competent care in life-or-death situations. Attending (IAHS) is the first step for those who want to pursue a career in paramedicine. This institute is designated to guide aspiring students through the educational and professional requirements, job responsibilities, and other points that matter to those who want to work in emergency services.
The IAHS, affiliated with NUMS, offers 4-year degree programs in:
- BS MLT
- BS MIT
- BS ECMT
The IAHS is also affiliated with Punjab Medical Faculty, which presently offers a two-year diploma in:
1. Radiology & Imaging technology
2. Operation Theatre
3. Medical Laboratory
4. Dental Technology
5. Physiotherapy
Till now, seven batches have completed their courses successfully.
The Nursing College at HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences (HITEC-IMS) is a premier institution dedicated to training highly skilled and compassionate nursing professionals. Located within the state-of-the-art HITEC-IMS campus in Taxila, the college offers comprehensive nursing education programs designed to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector in Pakistan and beyond.
HITEC-IMS Nursing College is committed to empowering its graduates with the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding required to excel in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to community health initiatives. By upholding the highest standards of education and practice, the college aims to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of nursing and the betterment of healthcare delivery.
Recognition & Affiliations
Pakistan Medical Commission
Ministry of National Health Services
National University of Medical Sciences
HIT Hospital Taxila Cantt
PMO Margalla Hospital
