Indian healthcare professionals participating in the 13th Saarc ENT (Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery) Congress in Karachi on Friday commended Pakistan’s exceptional hospitality and the high regard shown to visitors.
Describing Pakistan as just as safe as any Indian city, the doctors called for greater collaboration between Indian and Pakistani healthcare specialists, which they said could benefit the region, transcending political barriers.
“No nation can match Pakistanis in hospitality. They respect and care for their guests to a degree that makes us feel overwhelmed,” said Dr KP Morwani, a highly regarded ENT surgeon from Mumbai.
Dr Morwani, who described himself as a “Sindhi conceived in Pakistan and born in India” after his parents migrated during Partition, praised the warmth of his hosts.
He said he was visiting Pakistan for the second time but lamented the lack of direct flights between Mumbai and Karachi.
“We spent over 12 hours travelling through Bahrain for a journey that could take only 90 minutes. Easier travel would allow specialists from both nations to collaborate more effectively for the benefit of patients,” he added.
Dr MK Taneja, a senior ENT specialist from Uttar Pradesh, echoed these sentiments. Having visited Pakistan twice, he remarked: “I have always admired Urdu as I studied in Lucknow. The warmth we received at the Pakistani High Commission and Karachi airport reflects the culture of this country.”
The Indian delegates emphasised that collaboration between the two countries’ healthcare communities could improve patient outcomes and enhance skills on both sides.
“Pakistani surgeons are highly skilled in specific areas, and Indian doctors excel in others. By working together, we can learn from one another and benefit our patients,” said Dr. Morwani.
The Saarc ENT Congress, hosted by the Society of Otorhinolaryngologists of Pakistan, has brought together over 30 international delegates from South Asia and beyond to discuss advancements in ENT and head and neck surgery.
