UROCON25

Urology in Pakistan initially developed under the umbrella of Nephrology, leading to the formation of a Nephro-Urology Association. However, this was a temporary alliance rather than a natural partnership, poised to dissolve.

The visionary leadership of Professor Farrakh Khan changed this trajectory. In 1997, he united both senior and young urologists across Pakistan to establish the Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons (PAUS).

In August 1997, a dedicated group of urologists met over two days at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, to launch PAUS. Behind the scenes, efforts focused on drafting the constitution and bringing all stakeholders on board to strengthen the association.

The first official PAUS meeting took place in Lahore in 1998. Professor Farrakh Khan was elected President, Professor Riaz Tasneem Secretary, and Dr. Salman Waris Treasurer for a two-year term. The meeting was notable for the presence of the then Prime Minister, who generously contributed Rs. 2 million as seed funding.

The year 2000 marked the first PAUS meeting in Lahore, setting the stage for future growth. In 2001, at the Sindh Institute of Urological Transplantation (SIUT) Karachi, Dr. Masood Sheikh became President, Dr. Farhat Abbas Secretary, and Dr. Zafar Zaidi Treasurer. The constitution was revised, chapters revitalized, and an annual meeting was established.

In 2002, the Lahore Chapter organized the first annual meeting, introducing the term Urocon. Subsequent meetings in Karachi (2003), Lahore (2005), Islamabad (2006), Peshawar (2007), Faisalabad (2008), and Lahore (2009) continued to build PAUS’s scientific stature and membership base.

Notably, Urocon 2005 in Lahore became the first international meeting with a significant delegation from India. PAUS elections held at SIUT Karachi in 2005 energized the organization further, promoting chapter activities. Today, PAUS boasts 11 active chapters across Pakistan and a chapter in the UK.

With over 250 members, PAUS has become a vibrant forum fostering collaboration, scientific exchange, and professional development. It plays a crucial role in addressing gaps in urology training nationwide, uniting urologists from diverse backgrounds into a dynamic scientific community.