ISLAMABAD : 22 Sep 2026 – Punjab University Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) organized an inaugural ceremony of COMCEC & COMSTECH funded four-day international training programme on ‘Genome Editing and Crop Biotechnology to Address Climate Challenges’ today.On this occasion, PU VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Mr. Maruf AbdurRahmon (DHM Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan) Advisor COMSTECH Prof. Shahid Mehmood Baig, DG Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Director CEMB Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman, Dr. Alia, representative of SESRIC (online), experts from CEMB and OIC member states, faculty members, researchers, and a large number of students were present.
Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali said that PU is the intellectual and academic heartbeat of the country. He appreciated the efforts of CEMB researchers and praised their significant work on advanced technologies such as CRISPR.
He welcomed delegates from Tajikistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, and urged the participants to make the most of the training programme and gain maximum knowledge and practical skills. He said that welcoming distinguished guests and participants to such an excellent workshop was a matter of great honour.
Mr. Maruf AbdurRahmon thanked CEMB and PU for the invitation and said that Tajikistan and Pakistan enjoy longstanding and friendly relations, rooted in mutual respect, shared cultural affinities, and a spirit of cooperation. Over the past 35 years, our bilateral relationship has expanded across a wide range of areas, including education, culture, trade, science, technology and innovation.
He said,we firmly believe that scientific and academic cooperation can make an important contribution to strengthening the bonds between our two countries. Universities, research institutions, scientists and young researchers serve as important bridges between our societies.
International programs provide not only an opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise, but also to establish professional relationships and identify new avenues for future cooperation.
Prof. Shahid Baig said that PU’s CEMB is considered one of the state-of-the-art scientific and technological institutions not only in Pakistan but also in the region. He said that CEMB provides an excellent platform for learning, scientific interaction, networking, and collaboration.
He further noted that the faculty comprises some of the country’s leading and highly accomplished scientists. Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman said that CEMB has so far signed more than 20 agreements with various agri-tech organizations.
He said that CEMB has extensive expertise in the field of genome editing. He also briefed the participants about various ongoing research projects and future initiatives aimed at ensuring continuity and sustainability in research activities.
He mentioned plans for establishing a clean room, among other future projects. He thanked COMCEC for funding the workshop and also acknowledged COMSTECH and PAFDA for supporting research activities, as well as the foreign experts and participants for their participation.
Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao, Focal Person for the workshop, gave an introduction to the workshop and thanked the funding organization, COMCEC, as well as COMSTECH, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, and Director Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman for their support.
Dr. Idrees Ahmad Nasir, a CEMB scientist and representative of Genetech, said that through collaboration with CEMB, they had successfully taken CKC cotton technology to farmers, including farmers in Sindh.
He added that technologies developed at CEMB for cotton improvement are also highly important and necessary for areas of the country affected by high soil salinity. Mr. Irfan, representative of the Four Brothers Group, said that the group has CEMB alumni among its team who, as a result of the excellent training they received at CEMB, have contributed to the development of seven patents.
Later, PU VC presented souvenirs to foreign delegates and distinguished guests. Director CEMB Prof. Moazur Rahman along with Prof. Shahid Baig and Prof. Talat Naseer Pasha presented souvenirs to PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali.
