Pakistan Academy of Sciences Emphasizes on Biosafety and Biosecurity in Life Sciences Research

Pakistan Academy of Sciences Emphasizes on Biosafety and Biosecurity in Life Sciences Research.

Dual Use Education and Biosecurity related issues addressed in PAS during “Regional Workshop on Biosafety and Biosecurity in Life Sciences Research”

Due to the fast pace of research in life sciences there is a need to develop skills of scientists and researchers to combat biological threats within the region by providing training on biosecurity, biosafety, pathogen surveillance, and infectious disease surveillance and disaster response. With a view of the above the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS)  facilitated the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), in organizing a three days Regional Workshop on Biosafety and Biosecurity in Life Sciences Research on April 26 - 28 2016 in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Speakers in their detailed presentations highlighted the risks associated with transboundary pathogens and also suggested viable solutions. Chief Organizer of the workshop, Dr. Zabta K. Shinwari, Secretary General, informed that development of genetic engineering and bioscience technologies have raised a risk of bioterrorism and toxic pathogens that released from our laboratories and industries. 

Dr. Khalid Banuri, Director General (ACDA), raised the point in his speech that the issue of dual-use science is not new. The best known example may be nuclear science, which can be used to produce energy (a peaceful purpose) or nuclear bombs. He also mentioned that Likely threat to Pakistan can emerge from the use of biological weapons by Non-State Actors and by the accidental release of any Bio agents. He is of the view that Pakistan has always encouraged strengthening of national/ international institutional efforts to counter potential misuse of bio technology.  In support of his point, Dr. Sana Zahoor, Assistant Professor, VU added that research with highly pathogenic microorganisms, like H5N1 influenza, anthrax among others, could derive into a serious biological threat to a population or even terrorism. Dr. Nabil Qassem Hailat, Professor, JUST suggested that a regional laboratory could be used to safely and accurately diagnose transboundary diseases as an optimal solution for monitoring transboundary animal diseases in the region. Students of Quaid e Azam University contributed in the workshop by sharing their research findings through posters.

Food Security Achievable Despite Water Scarcity and Climate Change

Food Security Achievable Despite Water Scarcity and Climate Change 

Joint Efforts by Asian Countries Admired by Zahid Hamid, Federal Minister for Climate Change 

Some 1.2 billion people—almost one fifth of the world—live in areas of water scarcity, while another 1.6 billion face what is called economic water shortage. The situation is only expected to worsen as population growth, climate change, and inefficient use of existing water resources are reducing the available water per head day by day. It is estimated that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, with almost half of the world living in conditions of water stress.

The current trend of water use in Asian countries is not sustainable in the face of fast increasing populations, and the challenges posed by climate change. Thus, ensuring food security for fast growing populations of Asian countries with shrinking water resources is a daunting task. The challenge is to produce more in a more sustainable way. The was the topic of an International Conference on “Challenges in Water Security to Meet the Growing Food Requirement” organized in Islamabad by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA). Leading experts of Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Korea and Nepal were the resource persons at this important scientific forum. In addition to technical presentations and discussions by the experts, three Penal Discussions of the Workshop were led by senior scientists like Dr. Amir Muhammed, Engr. Shamsul Mulk, and Dr. Mubarik Ali.

While chairing the Concluding Session of this important Conference at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Mr. Zahid Hamid, Federal Minister for Climate Change, stated that, despite the constraints of water scarcity and climate change, Food Security for the fast increasing populations of Asian countries is achievable. He said this can be accomplished on sustainable basis by employing well thought of science-based solutions and strategies. He congratulated the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and AASSA for jointly organizing this international Conference on a topic of immense importance of all countries of Asia. This Conference was organized by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with The President of Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Dr. Anwar Nasim, and Vice President of AASSA, Professor Namik Asar, who is senior scientist of Turkey, also spoke on the occasion.

Making Pakistan Science Conscious

Making Pakistan Science Conscious

The 5^th monthly brainstorming session on “Making Pakistan Science Conscious” was organized by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), in collaboration with International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) on 7 May, 2015 (Thursday) in Allama Iqbal Auditorium of International Islamic University, located at old campus of IIU in the vicinity of Faisal Mosque. The objective of this series of monthly brainstorming sessions is to promote quality science education and research and development (R&D) in the country by enhancing stakeholder awareness about the crucial role of science and technology (S&T) in economic development and human well being.

The host of this important scientific event, Rector of IIUI, Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, welcomed the participants and appreciated this initiative of PAS for promoting S&T in the country. He stressed that the universities must impart quality education to the younger generation. However, this is not possible unless the faculty is involved in cutting edge research and knowledge generation. He shared that in Korea, with innovative research, one dollar spent on higher education gets translated into 1200 dollars worth of innovative products and services. Therefore, he emphasized for science-based innovative indigenous solutions to local problems in the county.

Secretary General of PAS, Prof. Dr. Zabta K. Shinwari, briefed the audience about current activities of the Academy in general and the background and objective of these brainstorming sessions in particular. He emphasized that younger generation is the future custodian of Pakistan, and, thus, the Academy has decided to encourage and motivate young scientists to promote S&T with the guidance and support of senior scientists. Dr. Shinwari appreciated the flag bearer of this initiative, Dr. Hamid Saleem, for his continued commitment to this noble cause.

Postgraduate students of IIUI presented a skit to emphasize the need and benefits of interdisciplinary scientific research. Two female postgraduate students of IIUI recited Urdu poetry and a female postgraduate student of QAU recited Pushto poetry.  The postgraduate students of IIUI also shared a professional Qawali to express their serious concern about skyrocketing inflation in the country. Dr. Imran Khan, Assistant Professor at Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (CIRBS) of IIU, presented an informative talk on “German-Pakistan Research Collaboration: Post-PhD Funding Opportunities in Germany“. The Director General of Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue shared his views regarding Allama Iqbal’s vision and emphasis for science in the service of humanity.

The Coordinator of this initiative, Dr. Hamid Saleem, emphasized for the need and benefits of interaction, dialogue and effective collaboration between experienced and young scientists for promotion of S&T in the country with the ultimate objective of benefit of S&T to the society.  Also, he stressed upon the benefits social activities along with scientific pursuits.

The President of Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Dr. Anwar Nasim, shared his vision regarding making Pakistan science conscious. While appreciating the efforts of Prof. Zabta Shinwari and Dr Hamid Saleem and willing collaboration and support of the Universities (including IIUI), Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Science Foundation, he emphasized for effective and continued interaction and collaboration of old and young generation to bridge the ‘generation gap’. A senior Fellow of PAS, Dr. N.M. Butt, elaborated upon the nature of Science Academies in the East (e.g., in Russia, China) and the West (like UK, USA). Also, he offered tips to young scientists and PhD student for effective harnessing of German funding opportunities.

This important scientific event was participated by almost all the stakeholders in S&T, i.e., postgraduate students from various Universities, university professors, senior scientists, and heads of academic and scientific organizations, Fellows of PAS. Prof. Zabta Shinwari announced that next consultative session on “Making Pakistan Science Conscious” in Islamabad will be held on first Thursday of June 2015, and the Academy also intends to organize such brainstorming sessions in the provincial capitals, i.e., Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, and Peshawar.