Lahore, October 7,2026: Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH Prof. Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary visited the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, where he reviewed the outcomes of an international genome editing training programme and discussed opportunities for further research collaboration.
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary, who holds the civil awards HI, SI and TI, held a detailed meeting with CEMB Director Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman, COMSTECH scholars and researchers.
The COMSTECH chief was briefed on the outcomes of the international training programme titled “Enhancing Genome Editing and Crop Biotechnology Capacity for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in OIC Countries,” held at CEMB from September 22 to 25, 2026.
The programme was organized in partnership with COMCEC, COMSTECH and SESRIC and focused on strengthening participants’ practical understanding of crop genome editing and CRISPR-based technologies.
The training also promoted interaction and networking among researchers from OIC member countries, enhanced awareness of biosafety and responsible technology applications, and created opportunities for future joint research, knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary appreciated the outcomes of the programme and acknowledged the efforts of the CEMB team in successfully organizing the international training.
During his visit, he also interacted with Dr. Ulkar İbrahimova from Azerbaijan and Dr. Sadia Hoque Tamanna from Bangladesh, who are currently undertaking two-month COMSTECH fellowship programmes at CEMB.
The COMSTECH Coordinator General also held detailed discussions on projects concerning stem cell research and genetic disease diagnostics under the IsDB Reverse Linkage Programme, supported through the Islamic Development Bank Solidarity Fund.
The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening scientific collaboration among OIC countries and expanding joint research and capacity-building initiatives in advanced biotechnology and health sciences.
