The effective diagnostic tools and affordable treatment of the most common diseases in Pakistan can be developed if the great efforts are focused on developing a greater and more comprehensive understanding of the pattern and causes of these ailments. Pakistani authorities need to protect the enormous resources of the medicinal plants that were depleting in the country. The government’s attention is required to accelerate the pace of the progress of molecular medicine so that the affordable and durable treatment of various fatal diseases can be developed. These views were expressed by Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Director International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi University (KU), while talking to media on the last day of the 4th international symposium-cum-training course on molecular medicine and drug research (January 07 to 10) held on Thursday at ICCBS, Karachi University. Over 350 scientists, including 35 scientists from 24 countries, attended the international event, organised by Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD). The aim of the event was to develop understanding and appreciation of this emerging field (molecular medicine and drug research) in Pakistan to bring together the leading experts in the field of molecular medicine from all around the world and forge global partnership for the common benefits of humanity and rapid development of the countries in the South. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr Iqbal Choudhary said the international mutual cooperation among the chemical scientists was the need of the hour for the benefit and welfare of the humanity. International delegates praised the efforts of ICCBS and PCMD for having such a useful global scientific event, and underlined the need for making concrete efforts in the science and technology to bring out the country from the present economical and political turmoil. They also underlined the need for producing more scientists for carrying out new research work on medicinal plants and natural compounds. They said for strengthening the cooperation among the scientists of the world, such types of programmes, like symposium, seminar, conferences and workshops can play vital role. KU dean faculty of science Prof Dr Shahan Urooj Kazmi declared the symposium as very successful. Various lectures of the national and international scientists have been delivered in the symposium. Meanwhile, Dr Iqbal Choudhary and Prof Dr Shahan Urooj Kazmi distributed the certificates among the participants and position holders of the posters’ competition.
