Lahore, September 23, 2026: The Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, hosted the inaugural ceremony of a four-day international training programme on “Genome Editing and Crop Biotechnology to Address Climate Challenges,” funded by COMCEC and supported by COMSTECH.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Tajikistan Maruf AbdurRahmon, COMSTECH Advisor Prof. Shahid Mahmood Baig, Director General Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, CEMB Director Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman, Dr. Alia, representative of SESRIC, experts from CEMB and OIC member states, faculty members, researchers and students attended the ceremony.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali described Punjab University as the intellectual and academic heartbeat of the country and appreciated CEMB researchers for their work on advanced technologies, including CRISPR.
Welcoming delegates from Tajikistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, he urged the participants to make full use of the programme to enhance their knowledge and practical skills.
Maruf AbdurRahmon thanked CEMB and Punjab University for the invitation and said Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoyed strong and friendly relations in education, culture, science and technology.
He said programmes such as the training workshop provided an important platform for strengthening institutional linkages between the two countries while creating new opportunities for mutual cooperation and collaboration.
Prof. Shahid Mahmood Baig said CEMB was among Pakistan’s and the region’s state-of-the-art scientific and technological institutions, providing an excellent platform for scientific learning, interaction, networking and collaboration.
He also highlighted the expertise of CEMB faculty members, describing them as among the country’s leading scientists.
CEMB Director Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman said the centre had signed more than 20 agreements with various agri-tech organisations and had developed extensive expertise in genome editing.
He briefed the participants on ongoing research projects and future initiatives aimed at ensuring continuity and sustainability in research, including plans to establish a clean room.
Prof. Rahman thanked COMCEC for funding the workshop and acknowledged the support of COMSTECH and PAFDA for research activities. He also appreciated the participation of foreign experts and delegates.
Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao, focal person for the workshop, introduced the programme and thanked COMCEC, COMSTECH, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali and CEMB Director Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman for their support.
CEMB scientist and Genetech representative Dr. Idrees Ahmad Nasir said collaboration with CEMB had helped successfully take CKC cotton technology to farmers, including growers in Sindh.
He said CEMB technologies developed for cotton improvement were also highly relevant to areas affected by high soil salinity.
Irfan, a representative of Four Brothers Group, said CEMB alumni working with the group had contributed to the development of seven patents, reflecting the quality of training provided at the centre.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali presented souvenirs to foreign delegates and distinguished guests. CEMB Director Prof. Moazur Rahman, Prof. Shahid Baig and Prof. Talat Naseer Pasha also presented a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor.
