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KTH Peshawar Performs Historic Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, has achieved a historic milestone in the field of robotic surgery as the Department of Orthopaedics, under the leadership of Chairman Department of Orthopaedics, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Siraj, successfully performed a robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, marking the first such procedure in the history of a public-sector hospital.
The landmark procedure was performed by renowned orthopaedic surgeon Prof. Dr. Awal Hakeem and his dedicated team. The surgery was also conducted as a live demonstration, providing orthopaedic surgeons from different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa an opportunity to observe and learn about this advanced surgical technique in real time.
The initiative is expected to open new avenues for advanced orthopaedic surgery, medical training, education, and research in the province, further strengthening KTH’s role as a leading teaching and tertiary-care institution.
Congratulating the Department of Orthopaedics on this historic achievement, Dean Khyber Medical College/Khyber Teaching Hospital, Prof. Dr. Mahmud Aurangzeb, said that he was proud of the Department of Orthopaedics for successfully performing the first robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter in robotic surgery, advanced medical training, research, and patient care at the institution. He termed it a proud moment for Khyber Teaching Hospital, Khyber Medical College, and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Hospital Director Dr. Sajjad Ullah Dawar and Medical Director Dr. Awais Naeem also congratulated the entire Department of Orthopaedics on the unique and historic achievement. They said Khyber Teaching Hospital continues to introduce modern medical technologies and advanced treatment modalities to provide patients with high-quality healthcare services.
They said the successful robotic knee replacement surgery was a clear reflection of the expertise, teamwork, and commitment of the hospital’s medical professionals towards providing patients with access to modern and advanced healthcare facilities.
The hospital leadership expressed the hope that KTH would continue to expand the use of advanced technology in the future, enabling the institution to undertake more complex and innovative surgical procedures and treatment services.
The hospital administration appreciated the efforts of Chairman Department of Orthopaedics Prof. Dr. Muhammad Siraj, Prof. Dr. Awal Hakeem, Dr. Qaiser Azim, Dr. Ahmad Zeb, Dr. Shah Rukh and the entire team for their dedication and contribution towards this historic achievement.
National
Field Marshal Asim Munir Chairs 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference
Military Vows Decisive Action Against Attempts to Destabilise Pakistan
PROVINCE REPORT
RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) of Pakistan, chaired the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where military leaders reviewed the prevailing security environment, counter-terrorism efforts and operational preparedness.
The forum began by offering Fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and civil society who lost their lives in service to the country.
Participants paid tribute to their sacrifices and remembered those who laid down their lives for Pakistan.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a high state of readiness amid the evolving security situation.
It also underscored Pakistan’s stated right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Security review
The forum held the Taliban leadership responsible for the consequences of facilitating terrorism, alleging that it was doing so on behalf of India.
The remarks came as the military leadership reviewed security challenges and reiterated its resolve to counter threats to Pakistan’s national security.
Participants appreciated the sustained intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations conducted by law enforcement agencies.
However, the forum stressed that operational measures must be complemented by non-kinetic efforts to address the factors contributing to militancy and insecurity.
These measures include people-centred governance at the grassroots level, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling the terror-crime nexus allegedly operating under the patronage of vested interests, and strengthening police capabilities.
The forum emphasised that these efforts should remain aligned with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam, which were referenced as frameworks for addressing the country’s security challenges.
Internal stability
The commanders underscored the importance of internal stability and reiterated their position against attempts to trigger unrest.
The forum stated that any attempt to create a situation similar to the events of May 9, regardless of the pretext, would be met with decisive force and action under the rule of law, without hesitation or discrimination.
The reference to May 9 relates to the unrest that followed the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in 2023, during which military installations and other public properties were attacked in several locations.
The military leadership reiterated its resolve to respond to attempts to destabilise the country.
The conference also highlighted the need to sustain counter-terrorism efforts while strengthening governance, public engagement and law enforcement capabilities to address security concerns on multiple fronts.
Regional ties
The forum welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing it as a development that contributes to longstanding strategic relations and collective defence ties among the countries.
Participants also strongly condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom.
The forum reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain, the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
On the Kashmir issue, the military leadership reiterated Pakistan’s stated position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
It also reaffirmed support for resolving the dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The discussions reflected the forum’s focus on Pakistan’s security priorities alongside its regional partnerships and longstanding diplomatic positions.
Combat readiness
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir commended military formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism.
He directed commanders to maintain momentum in intelligence-based operations and continue strengthening the Armed Forces’ combat capabilities.
The directions included greater absorption of modern technology, enhanced training and improved integration across multiple operational domains.
The emphasis on multi-domain integration highlighted the need to develop coordinated capabilities for responding to evolving security challenges.
Munir expressed confidence that the Armed Forces, backed by the support of the nation, remained fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
