Pakistan completes first robotic telesurgery from an international conference

Pakistan has reached a milestone in medical innovation by performing its first robotic telesurgery cholecystectomy in Islamabad. The procedure allowed a surgeon to operate remotely from the International Conference on Future of Healthcare (FHCC 2026) held at the Gandhara Heritage and Culture Centre.

Prof. Dr. Syed Tanseer Asghar, a robotic surgeon and Registrar of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), performed the operation by remotely controlling robotic surgical instruments. During the same time, the patient was undergoing the surgery at the operating theatre of Kulsum International Hospital in Islamabad.

The successful demonstration showcased the integration of real-time digital connectivity, surgical expertise, and robotic technology. The achievement highlights how telesurgery can overcome geographical barriers and provide access to specialized surgical expertise through advanced systems.

The achievement reflects SZABMU’s efforts to promote innovation in healthcare, particularly in robotic surgery, artificial intelligence and emerging medical technologies. To support these goals, SZABMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Tanwir Khaliq has secured approval to establish the university’s first Robotic Surgery and Artificial Intelligence Health Centre. This center is intended to strengthen research, surgical education, and the application of AI-driven healthcare solutions.

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. The landmark demonstration is expected to encourage further investment, training, and research in robotic surgery to open possibilities for digitally connected healthcare in Pakistan.