KARACHI, Feb 9: The 'father of microbiology in Pakistan', Prof (Dr) A.A. Anwar, has expired in Texas, USA. He was 86. This was announced by the chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi.

Prof Anwar, a PhD in botany, had set up the Department of Microbiology in 1957, the first in the country. He remained the chairman of this department from 1957 to 1972. The first PhD in microbiology in Pakistan was also produced under his guidance.

The KU's department of microbiology will hold a condolence meeting on its premises on Feb 12. All microbiologists, colleagues of Prof Anwar, faculty members and students have been invited to attend, says the announcement.

The Pakistan Society for Microbiology is also planning to organize an international seminar in memory of Prof Anwar to highlight his immense contributions to the discipline of microbiology. - APP