IDA offers to facilitate Pakistani dentists’ visas for FDI World Dental Congress 2027

KARACHI: The Indian Dental Association (IDA) has offered to support the participation of Pakistani dental professionals at the FDI World Dental Congress 2027 in Mumbai, with its leadership assuring Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) President Dr Mahmood Shah that it would take up visa-related cases with the relevant Indian authorities. The assurance was conveyed during a meeting between Dr Shah, IDA President Dr Manoj Srivastava and IDA Honorary Secretary General Dr Ashok D. Dhoble on the sidelines of the FDI World Dental Congress 2026 in Prague in early September. The IDA leadership requested the PDA to provide the names and relevant particulars of Pakistani dentists and other dental professionals interested in attending the 2027 congress. The association would then pursue the matter with the appropriate Indian authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs, according to the understanding reached during the meeting. The development could provide an important institutional channel for Pakistani dental professionals seeking to attend the international congress, particularly given the continuing restrictions affecting travel and visa services between Pakistan and India. Institutional support amid continuing visa restrictions India’s current visa environment presents a substantial obstacle for Pakistani nationals. Following the April 22, 2025 tensions, relations between Pakistan and India deteriorated sharply. The crisis was followed by reciprocal diplomatic and travel restrictions and military exchanges in May 2025 before a ceasefire halted the immediate escalation. Among the measures announced by India after the attack was the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals and revocation of most existing Indian visas held by Pakistani citizens. An official Indian consular information page updated on September 9, 2026 continues to state that visa services remain suspended for Pakistani nationals. Against this backdrop, the IDA’s willingness to take up Pakistani participation with government authorities gives the PDA an institutional route to raise the matter well ahead of the congress. Indian government procedures for international conferences also provide for Pakistani participation under the Prior Reference Category. Organisers are required to submit detailed participant information to the relevant authorities, while conference visas for participants in this category are subject to the prescribed government clearances. Mumbai set for major global dental congress The FDI World Dental Congress 2027 is scheduled for October 21–24, 2027, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, with the Indian Dental Association serving as co-host. It will be the third time India has hosted an FDI World Dental Congress. FDI World Dental Federation expects the four-day event to attract more than 30, 000 delegates and visitors, more than 100 speakers and over 500 exhibitors. The scientific programme is expected to cover major areas of contemporary dentistry, including artificial intelligence in dentistry, digital and AI-guided implant dentistry, practice management, antimicrobial resistance and responsible antibiotic prescribing, implant treatment, laser dentistry and contemporary endodontics. Continuing education, clinical learning, research, professional networking and dental technology will also feature prominently. FDI has announced an Innovation Nexus for start-ups and innovators to showcase prototypes and proof-of-concept technologies to clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry representatives. Registration has opened, while calls for abstracts and innovation submissions are expected later. For Pakistani practitioners, academics, researchers and dental students, the congress presents a significant international professional opportunity—but participation will depend on whether the necessary travel and visa arrangements can be secured. The early engagement between the PDA and IDA could therefore prove important in determining whether a Pakistani dental delegation is able to attend the Mumbai congress. Dr Mahmood Shah earns APDF/APRO Honours List recognition Pakistan Dental Association President Dr Mahmood Shah has been named to the Honours List of the Asia Pacific Dental Federation/Asia Pacific Regional Organisation (APDF/APRO), becoming the first and only Pakistani dentist to receive the distinction. The honour recognises Dr Shah’s longstanding contribution to regional and international dentistry and adds to his extensive leadership record within professional dental organisations. APDF/APRO is the Asia-Pacific regional organisation associated with the FDI World Dental Federation, bringing together national dental associations across the region to advance oral health, dental education and professional cooperation. The organisation maintains an Honours List as a distinct category of recognition, separate from its APDF/APRO Merit Awards. The list honours dental leaders and other prominent figures associated with the development of dentistry and the federation across the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Shah has held several senior positions within APDF/APRO, including President in 2022–2023, following earlier roles as Vice-President, President-Elect, Chairman of the General Dental Practice Commission and Chairman of the Oral Diseases Commission. He has also served on the FDI Public Health Committee. His regional leadership was further recognised in 2023, when he received a Leadership Award during the 44th Asia Pacific Dental Congress in Hong Kong for his contribution to the dental profession. His latest inclusion on the APDF/APRO Honours List places Dr Shah among distinguished dental leaders recognised for their contribution to the profession and represents a notable international distinction for Pakistan’s dental community. Stay connected with Dental News Pakistan pk/14-Sep-2026/ida-visa-support-pakistani-dentists-fdi-world-dental-congress-2027″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>Read full story on Dental News