Dr Hasnat Khan returns to Pakistan, to lead Lahore cardiac institute

Late princess Diana’s former 'partner' takes top role at new Lahore heart centre, drawing public attention

Princess Diana’s well-known romantic relationship with Dr Hasnat Khan in the late 1990s has recently resurfaced in public discussion following his reported appointment as a senior leader at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, where he is set to head the cardiology department as CEO and dean.

Dr Khan is a British-Pakistani heart and lung surgeon who has worked in the UK healthcare system, including at major cardiothoracic centres, and has also been involved in developing cardiac facilities internationally, including projects in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

The renowned British-Pakistani cardiologist’s return to Pakistan has sparked buzz on social media, with many people reflecting on his past association with Diana, the late princess of Wales, alongside his renewed professional responsibilities in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

The upcoming facility is being described as a potential major cardiac centre in the city, with authorities stating that recruitment of both medical and administrative staff is already underway. Punjab Specialised Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq described Khan as an accomplished cardiac surgeon whose arrival is to bring significant improvements to the department.

From being quietly called ‘Mr. Wonderful’ by Diana, Princess of Wales to now leading a major cardiac institute in Pakistan — Hasnat Khan’s story was never about headlines, but about heart, in every sense.

— KK (@technocrat_kk) April 22, 2026

Social media users took to X to praise the doctor for his medical achievements.

I remember the appointment of Dr. Saeed as a Head of PKLI&RC, he also left the Job from USA and came to Pakistan,
May Allah protect Dr. Hasnat Khan,

— Muhammad Usman (@M_Usman_Arain) April 23, 2026

Dr Khan and Diana were first linked in 1995 when the late princess visited the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Their relationship later drew public attention, with Diana reportedly referring to him as 'Mr Wonderful.' The couple broke up after two years together, due to press scrutiny and Khan’s fear that marrying a global icon would make his life “hell”.

Their story has also been depicted in the Netflix series The Crown, where Dr Khan is portrayed by Humayun Saeed opposite Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana.