KARACHI: The Dow Unive­rsity of Health Sciences (DUHS) achieved another milestone on Friday with the inauguration of an advanced molecular genetics and genomics diseases research and treatment centre and related facilities on Friday.

The facilities included a college of biotechnology and a fly research lab and stock centre.

“Establishment of these institutions would open up new vistas for research and help the university enhance its research potential,” remarked DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Saeed Quraishy in his speech at a well-attended inaugural ceremony.

He expressed gratitude to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Dow College Alumni for their assistance.

“While the basic funds for the establishment of the genomics research laboratory were provided by the HEC, the Dow alumni have promised to provide $5m, which would help us turn this research facility into a start-of-the-art centre,” he said, adding that research facilities required sustained financial assistance to deliver to society.

The university, Prof Quraishy explained, realised how important it was to develop strong linkages and cooperation with reputed international institutions to make a difference.

“For this purpose, we are collaborating with Oxford University’s genomics department which has agreed to train our teachers and students in this field. One of our students would also get the opportunity to do doctoral studies in cancer at its department.”

He also highlighted the significance of molecular genetics and said it helped link mutations to genetic conditions, which, in turn, helped to search for targeted treatments and cures for various genetic conditions.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Planning and Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal spoke about the challenges Pakistan faced and said the field of biotechnology was important to tackle the country’s growing food insecurity and the disastrous impact of climate change.

“Investment in biotechnology could help meet the global food crisis. The gravity of this situation could be gauged from the fact that around 800 million people go to bed daily hungry,” he said, adding that medical biotechnology had brought about a revolution in the world.

“It’s our time now to invest in this field, create employment opportunities and produce pharmaceutical and diagnostic products.”

Appreciating the research initiatives by the DUHS, the federal minister said future wars would be fought in labs and classrooms and not in the battlefield.

On how biotechnology helps meet climate challenges, the minister cited examples of the countries that were making the best use of smart agriculture.

“Agriculture is our country’s backbone. We have no option but to utilise this technology to help minimise the impact of climate change.”

The minister recalled the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ’s past tenure during which, he claimed, research culture was prioritised and the then government funded research institutions and the HEC in a big way.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2023