LONDON: A Pakistan-born cardiothoracic surgeon working in the United Kingdom has been named in the New Year Honours List, receiving the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his distinguished professional achievements and humanitarian work.

Professor Syed Saeed Ashraf, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, Wales, was awarded for services to cardiac surgery, the training of overseas surgeons and his academic contributions.

Swansea Bay University Health Board announced the honour on New Year’s Eve, describing Dr Ashraf as an outstanding clinician who extends life-saving expertise to developing countries.

Dr Ashraf regularly uses his annual leave to perform voluntary, complex heart operations at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi, Pakistan.

He primarily treats young patients suffering from rheumatic valvular heart disease — a condition now rare in Western countries but prevalent in South Asia — and Afghan refugees receiving free care in Pakistan.

During one six-week mission, Dr Ashraf worked seven days a week, dedicating Sundays to training Pakistani and Afghan surgeons in wet labs. Many of these trainees have since returned to peripheral hospitals, expanding the reach of specialised care.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this OBE,” Dr Ashraf said. “This recognition reflects not only my work but also the support and dedication of my family, colleagues and mentors.”

Richard Evans, executive medical director at Swansea Bay University Health Board, said Dr Ashraf’s commitment to delivering procedures in underserved regions is “truly inspiring”.

Mr Ashraf described his visits as a way of “giving something back” to the country where he began his medical career.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2026