Dr. Iqbal earned her PhD in Human Nutrition from McGill University, Canada, and holds a MPH from Baqai Medical University, Pakistan, along with earlier degrees in Home Economics (Food and Nutrition) from Karachi University. She has received advanced training at McMaster University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Her work addresses NCD risk factors—diet, inactivity, tobacco use, and air pollution—among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. Recognized among the top 2% of scientists globally by Elsevier (2023), she has published more than 190 articles in leading journals and led multinational collaborations.
An accomplished academic leader and mentor, Dr. Iqbal has spearheaded school-based health interventions, championed public engagement through interactive theatre to raise awareness on tobacco harms, and directed health education initiatives for media professionals and allied health workers. She also leads the Continuing Education Program at her university and has mentored numerous early-career professionals.
Dr. Iqbal is an active member of national and international advisory bodies, including serving on the UK’s National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) global health group-grant review committee and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Grassroots committed to advancing equity-driven research, evidence-informed policy, and local capacity-building to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.