KARACHI - Karachi University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Qaiser has urged scientists working in the areas of molecular medicines and drug research to conduct research on polio and measles to prevent our children from the fatality of these diseases.
He said deaths of more than 200 children in Sindh due to the fatality of measles are really a point of concern not only for the government but also for the health experts and scientists. He said that this is highly appreciable that the galaxy of the scientists have come to Karachi University (KU) from abroad despite the country is facing worst law and order situation; this is an extraordinary opportunity for young scientists to learn from the vast experience of these scientists.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 4th International Symposium-Cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research held on Monday (January 07 to 10, 2013) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) Karachi University. Over 350 scientists, including 35 scientists from 24 countries, are attending the international event, organised by Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), KU. The KU Chief pointed out that the University’s dedication towards scientific activities  can be judged from organisation of this global event in which international reputed scientists belonging to Bangladesh, India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Korea, Egypt, Italy, Sri Lanka, UAE, Jordan, Sugan, Turkey, Nepal, Myanmar, Germany, Sweden and Canada are attending. The former Chairman Higher Education Commission Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman said science is beyond from borders and religions; it can bridge the gap between nations of the world.
He said that education and science is the only solution to all problems of Pakistan. Later, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, in his plenary lecture, said that despite financial and cultural constraints, HEC under his leadership has changed the landscape of the public universities and R&D institutions in the country.
Although the impact of our struggle of decade will appear in times to come, however, we are already witnessing over 600 per cent increase in scientific publications in international journals, along with inclusion of three universities of Pakistan in the list of top 400 and 500 universities of the world, he added.
Director ICCBS Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary said that this symposia series covers all important aspects of molecular medicines and rational drug development which is an interdisciplinary field which exploits advances in molecular and cellular biology and genetic engineering.
He said the aim of the event was to develop understanding and appreciation of this emerging field (Molecular Medicine and Drug Research) in Pakistan, to bring together the leading experts in the field of molecular medicine from all around the world. KU Dean Science Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, former KU Dean Science Prof. Dr. Nusrat Jamil and Dr. Asmat Saleem also spoke on the occasion. During the scientific program of the symposium various plenary and invited lectures by eminent scientists were also held on the day. These sessions were conducted by international experts.”