Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in surgical innovation with the successful demonstration of its first robotic telesurgery cholecystectomy in Islamabad, enabling a surgeon to perform an operation remotely from an international healthcare conference venue.
Pakistan achieves first robotic telesurgery milestone
ISLAMABAD, Nov 04 (APP): Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in surgical innovation with the successful demonstration of its first robotic telesurgery cholecystectomy in Islamabad, enabling a surgeon to perform an operation remotely from an international healthcare conference venue.
The procedure was performed by renowned robotic surgeon and Registrar of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Prof. Dr. Syed Tanseer Asghar, who remotely controlled robotic surgical instruments from the International Conference on Future of Healthcare (FHCC 2026) at the Gandhara Heritage and Culture Centre.
Meanwhile, the patient was undergoing the operation at the operating theatre of Kulsum International Hospital, Islamabad, demonstrating the integration of robotic technology, surgical expertise and real-time digital connectivity.
The successful procedure highlighted the potential of telesurgery to overcome geographical barriers and facilitate access to specialized surgical expertise through advanced robotic systems.
The achievement reflects SZABMU’s efforts to promote innovation in healthcare, particularly in robotic surgery, artificial intelligence and emerging medical technologies.
SZABMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tanwir Khaliq has also secured approval for establishing the university’s first Robotic Surgery and Artificial Intelligence Health Centre to strengthen surgical education, research, innovation and the application of AI-driven healthcare solutions.
The initiative is expected to provide opportunities for advanced surgical training and research while supporting the development of modern healthcare technologies in Pakistan.
The demonstration also highlighted the potential of robotic telesurgery to improve access to specialized surgical services in remote and underserved areas, subject to the availability of appropriate infrastructure, clinical safeguards and regulatory frameworks.
The collaboration between SZABMU, Kulsum International Hospital and the international healthcare conference underscored the importance of academic institutions, healthcare providers and technology experts working together to advance surgical innovation.
The landmark demonstration is expected to encourage further research, training and investment in robotic surgery, opening new possibilities for the future of digitally connected healthcare in Pakistan.
