KARACHI, July 3: A life sciences-HEC workshop on advances in plant ecology started at the University of Karachi on Monday. The workshop was inaugurated by the KU acting vice-chancellor Prof Akhlaq Ahmed. The vice-chancellor of Kohat University of Science and Technology, Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, was the chief guest on the occasion. is scheduled till July 6, 2006.

It is being attended by teachers of twenty varsities of Pakistan and is meant to apprise them of the recent developments in this very important discipline of botany, which deals with plants, and environment related issues.

The acting KU VC in his inaugural address highlighted the achievements of the botany department, which has the distinction of having excellent teachers in not only ecology but other disciplines as well. The department has been publishing the Pakistan Journal of Botany regularly for over 30 years.

Earlier, Dr Shinwari urged the scientists to broaden their horizon of intellect and concentrate on environmental issues in a broader context.

In the end Prof Dr Ajmal, the organiser of the workshop thanked the resource persons and participants. He also told the audience that funds were available with the HEC-Core group in biology for furthering academic activities at varsities and educational institutions and interested quarters should take advantage from the source. The workshop will continue till July 6.--PPI