Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology, Quetta

17/02/2026

SMBZAN ICQ achieves another milestone in congenital cardiac interventions!

For the first time in Balochistan, successful Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Device Closure has been performed in a 35 years old male patient with history of Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke, highlighting our commitment to excellence in Cardiology services.

While Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a significant risk factor for recurrent stroke, Trans-catheter PFO Closure has been shown to reduce stroke recurrence rates in patients with high-risk PFO anatomy. We're proud to offer this evidence-based treatment option to our patients in Quetta, Balochistan.

Kudos to our Paediatric Cardiology team for their expertise in conduct of this complex procedure!

16/02/2026

As a part of ongoing collaboration for provision of quality Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery to the people of Balochistan and capacity building at SMBZAN ICQ, a team from NICVD visited the institute from 13 to 14 February 2026.

During the visit, 237 children were seen in the OPD with 34 Cath Interventions performed and 4 Cardiac Surgeries conducted through teamwork by the two great institutions.

This was the 25th such visit in the past 2 years. A total of 5275 children have been attended to, 669 Cath Interventions performed and 121 Cardiac Surgeries conducted since the start of this initiative.

SMBZAN ICQ prides itself on being the only Cardiology Institute of Balochistan providing 24/7 comprehensive adult and paediatric cardiac services. Through collaboration with NICVD and construction of a dedicated Paediatric Cardiology Tower, we plan to take quality in cardiac healthcare for the people of Balochistan to new heights.

11/02/2026

During her maiden visit to Quetta as Chief Minister Punjab, honourable Ms Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited SMBZAN ICQ. She was received by Comdt / CEO of the institute Brig Asim Iftikhar, who introduced her to the faculty.
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During her brief sojourn, she visited various departments of SMBZAN ICQ and interacted with the staff and the patients. The honourable Chief Minister showed her appreciation for our state-of-the-art facility and the high standard of cardiac services provided.
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The highlight of the visit was the groundbreaking ceremony of Paediatric Cardiology Block at SMBZAN ICQ, a much needed venture. Construction of this block will help establish paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery services at our institute, thus filling a critical gap in provision of comprehensive cardiology services to the people of Balochistan. This will enable us to treat our beautiful children at their doorstep, who presently travel to other provinces for the purpose.
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SMBZAN ICQ thanks the honourable Chief Minister Punjab for her generous support.

29/01/2026

22/12/2025

An orientation session on Pharmacovigilance was organised by DRAP at SMBZAN ICQ on 18 December 2025. Mr Mirza Mehmood Baig, Focal Person and Secretary of Provincial Pharmacovigilance Centre Balochistan was the esteemed expert.

The session comprised of awareness sessions on establishment of Provincial Pharmacovigilance Centre Balochistan, its role in ensuring medication safety and patient health and use of VigiMobile app.

The participants were also apprised about the importance of reporting Adverse Drug Reactions, concept of Rational Drug Therapy and Drug Therapy Problems.

The session generated healthy interest in the participants who not only listened to the presentations with rapt attention, but also asked pertinent and probing questions.

The expert panel was presented with mementos by Dr Ghulam Sarwar Pirkani, HoD Pathology.

18/12/2025

A 2-day hands-on workshop on Intravascular Lithotripsy was organised at SMBZAN ICQ on 11 - 12 Dec 2025. Dr Ali Raza, renowned Interventional Cardiologist from Peshawar Institute of Cardiology was the esteemed expert.

IVL is a novel and minimally invasive procedure using sonic waves to fracture hard calcium deposits in blocked coronary arteries, preparing them for stent placement. It offers a gentler approach and better long-term outcomes in tough calcified lesions.

This was the first workshop on IVL in Balochistan, and was enthusiastically attended by our own faculty and esteemed consultants from Quetta, who showed a passion for learning this novel procedure.

The esteemed guest was presented with a memento by CEO SMBZAN ICQ, who reiterated the passion for capacity building at our institute by learning such state-of-the-art procedures in order to serve our patients better.

12/12/2025

On 10 Dec 2025, Dr Mahreen Siddiqui, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at University of Balochistan conducted an awareness session titled "Subjective and Psychological Well-Being of Health Professionals Related to Communication with Patients" at SMBZAN ICQ.

A diverse range of topics was touched upon including effective communication, patient-centered care, empathy, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques and stress management.

The session was enthusiastically attended by consultants, physicians and staff who engaged the esteemed Professor in interesting discussion and asked pertinent questions.

It is hoped that such sessions will not only help our healthcare professionals better manage their physical and mental well-being, but will also help them to understand patient concerns and address them.

10/12/2025

On 4 December 2025, 19 student officers undergoing 45th Mid Career Management Course at National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Quetta visited SMBZAN ICQ accompanied by Dr Syed Ali Raza Shah, DG NIPA and 4 members of the Directing Staff.

They were briefed in detail about SMBZAN ICQ, its various achievements and the healthcare services being provided to the people of Balochistan. The student officers enthusiastically participated in the discussion, asking meaningful questions while appreciating the standards at the institute.

The delegation then toured the institute, visiting various departments and interacting with patients and staff.

An exchange of mementos also took place between CEO SMBZAN ICQ and DG NIPA to commemorate the occasion. It was agreed that the visit be made a regular part of activities for student officers undergoing MCMC at NIPA Quetta in order to bolster their understanding of specialised healthcare services available in the province.

24/11/2025

Patients stories about their experience at SMBZAN ICQ.

These smiles, acknowledgement and prayers are the real "earning" for all of us serving humanity at this great institute.

Better patient care is at the apex of all our activities, and relentless pursuit of this goal is the driving force at SMBZAN ICQ.

May Allah almighty grant us the knowledge, strength and perseverance to work tirelessly for the benefit of the people of Balochistan. Aameen.

21/11/2025

In connection with 54th Cardiocon Quetta, a workshop on Mastering the Art of ECG Interpretation and Cardiac Arrhythmias was held at SMBZAN ICQ on 20 November 2025.

Dr Muhammad Atif Rauf, a highly skilled and experienced Cardiac Electrophysiologist was the star of the show, enlightening the audience about Tachycardias, Bradyarrythmias and unlocking the electrical secrets of the heart.

Our own Dr Talib Hussain spoke at length about the basics of ECG.

Prof Abid Amin Khan (Patron-in-Chief 54th Cardiocon), Prof Jalal-ud-Din Achakzai (Convenor 54th Cardiocon) and Dr Farhan Faisal (Coordinator Local Chapter PCS) graced the workshop as guests of honour.

During his address, CEO SMBZAN ICQ congratulated the organizers on successful conduct of the workshop and thanked the guests of honour for taking time out for the event. He highlighted the successes achieved by our Cardiac EP department while stressing that the program was still in nascent stage and needed continued efforts and external collaboration to develop further.

With this workshop, SMBZAN ICQ has continued the endeavour of providing the Cardiology fraternity of the province a platform to continue their journey of professional development.

21/11/2025

On 30 October 2025, a 3-member team from PMDC visited SMBZAN ICQ in connection with inspection for recognition of postgraduate programs in Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology.

The team inspected various departments of the hospital and interacted with members of staff as well as patients. They were conducted by HoDs of concerned departments during the inspection. The team was impressed by the breadth and quality of diagnostic and treatment services being provided to the people of Balochistan, and also appreciated the high standards of management and administration.

The team members also interacted with Comdt SMBZAN ICQ, who presented them with institute souvenirs and copies of our first newsletter.

Through these initiatives, SMBZAN ICQ aspires to add yet another feather to its cap of services being provided to the people of Balochistan, providing excellent postgraduate training to young and brilliant physicians of the province.