President Alvi calls for indigenous research in food, medicine and plants

KARACHI: President Dr Arif Alvi on Sunday said that there was a dire need for indigenous research in the fields of food and medicinal plants that could alter the scenario in favour of mankind.

He stated this at the inauguration of the 2nd International Symposium on Natural Products for the Future  (ISNPF-2) at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi UOK).

“Holistic research should also be done in water conservation techniques in farming,” the president added.

He said that the exorbitant cost of medication incurred on the treatment of fatal diseases can only be scaled down by research, adding that necessary steps must be initiated in this field soon. “Naya Pakistan is not about specific personages, it is about everyone and the government is dedicated on its mission of welfare for all,” he said.

The president expressed his deep concerns over the reported malnutrition and stunting of children. He said that the education pyramid would be made the base of an entire structure that would naturally enhance the capacity of Pakistan’s human resource.

He lauded the enrollment of 200 foreign students in a single department of the University of Karachi, saying that it speaks volumes of the department’s excellence as well as the faculty in the era of cutting-edge technology.

“Pakistan will appear on the map of research-leading countries in the world soon,” said Alvi as he expressed satisfaction over ICCBS’s performance.

While appreciating Hussain Ibrahim Jamal’s and Nadia Panjwani’s services and contributions to the ICCBS, the president added the issue of low funds for universities would be resolved at the earliest.

He also acknowledged the remarkable works of scientists and doctors.

The symposium was also attended by Federal Minister for Information Technology Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and former Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman Dr Atta-ur-Rehman.