The journey of Pakistan's urological community, from its scattered beginnings to unified scientific endeavor, is a testament to vision and collaboration.
Initially, urologists in Pakistan operated under a joint association with nephrologists. However, this structure proved unsustainable in the long term. It was Professor Farrakh Khan's foresight that recognized the imperative for a dedicated platform: the Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons (PAUS).
In August 1997, a small yet committed group of urologists convened in the auditorium of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, to establish PAUS. Through strategic discussions and meticulous negotiations, a working group, led by Dr. Salman Waris, was formed to draft the PAUS constitution and formally establish the association.
The inaugural official PAUS meeting took place in 1998 in Lahore. Professor Farrakh Khan was appointed as the first President, with Professor Riaz Tasneem as Secretary and Dr. Salman Waris as Treasurer. This foundational meeting was significantly bolstered by the presence of the then Prime Minister and a substantial donation of PKR 2 million.
The first formal PAUS meeting was held in Lahore, marking the commencement of structured annual gatherings.
The meeting was held in Karachi at SIUT. Dr. Masood Sheikh assumed the presidency; the constitution was revised, and chapters were activated. The first-ever elections for President-elect were conducted, a voters' college was announced, and chapter-wise membership lists were published. Dr. A. Majid Rana served as the election officer, and elections were held by secret ballot.
The Lahore Chapter hosted the PAUS meeting. The term "Urocon" was coined to designate the annual meetings.
Urocon was held in Karachi. Professor Fateh Khan Akhtar became President.
Urocon returned to Lahore, evolving into an international event with attendees from India. Professor Adib ul Hasan Rizvi assumed the presidency.
Urocon in Islamabad witnessed a significant advancement in its scientific content.
Urocon was held in Peshawar. Highly contested PAUS elections were conducted for nearly all positions. Professor Ahmed Fawad became President-elect. Dr. A. Majid Rana again served as the election officer.
Urocon was hosted in Faisalabad after a delay.
Urocon was held in Lahore. Dr. Khurshid Anwer was declared President-elect.
Urocon was held in Karachi. The Constitution Committee, chaired by Dr. A. Majid Rana, secured the approval of comprehensive constitutional amendments by the AGM.
Urocon, initially assigned to Hyderabad, was relocated to Karachi due to torrential rains. Dr. A. Majid Rana was elected as President-elect.
Urocon was held in Lahore.
Urocon was held in Karachi. Dr. Aziz Abdullah assumed the presidency.
Urocon was held in Islamabad. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed was elected as President.
Urocon was held in Faisalabad, and Dr. Sadat Khan became President-elect.
Urocon was held in Lahore.
Urocon was held in Peshawar, and Dr. Mumtaz was declared President-elect.
Urocon could not be held.
Urocon was held in Swat. Dr. Atta ur Rehman was elected President for a one-year term due to constitutional amendments.
Urocon was held in Hyderabad.
Urocon was held in Islamabad, and Dr. Ayaz became President-elect.
Urocon was held in Lahore, and Dr. Hammad Ather became President-elect. The constitution underwent extensive amendments to meet the evolving needs of PAUS; this committee was once again headed by Dr. A. Majid Rana.
Urocon was held in Karachi.
Urocon was held in Islamabad, featuring very closely contested elections with Dr. Abdul Majid Rana chairing the election process. Dr. Razzak Nasir was declared President-elect.
Today, PAUS stands as a robust organization with over 1000 members, 17 active chapters across Pakistan, and an international chapter in the UK. It serves as a vital nexus for collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and scientific advancement. From training burgeoning surgeons to establishing benchmarks in urology, PAUS is a dynamic force poised for continued growth. PAUS is not merely an association; it is destined to be the cornerstone of urological progress in Pakistan.