Without doubt infectious diseases (IDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the developing countries. Regionally, and closer to home the pattern of ID is quite different from that seen in developed countries of the world. Yet, ironically, we use textbooks and periodicals that are based in USA or Europe. Due to sheer apathy data gathering of our own diseases has been insufficient In September 1993 a group of like-minded physicians formed the Karachi ID Society.

In March 1999 the ID Society organized meetings in Lahore and Islamabad. In April 2000 new members were added at an ID meeting in Peshawar. The Society was renamed Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan (IDSP). Subsequently a meeting was held in Multan. We hope to spread ourselves to other cities in Pakistan, time and logistics permitting.