March 18, 2025 – Renowned scientist Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary (H.I., S.I., T.I.), Coordinator General COMSTECH, visited the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) on March 17 and 18, engaging in extensive discussions with the Director of CEMB, Dr. Moaz, and leading researchers on key projects in stem cell and regenerative medicine, biopharmaceuticals, and genetic diseases.

On March 18, Dr. Iqbal chaired a meeting in which Dr. Shahid Baig, Dean Life Sciences at Health Services Academy (HSA), Ministry of Health Services, Pakistan, also joined online. During the meeting, Dr. Iqbal emphasized CEMB’s strong expertise in stem cell technology and proposed the initiation of a Reverse Linkage Programme in this field. He suggested inviting and collaborating with international experts in stem cell research with support from COMSTECH. Dr. Shahid Baig endorsed the idea, highlighting the need for establishing a national stem cell bank, preferably at CEMB, to further advance research and clinical applications in Pakistan.

Dr. Iqbal also stressed the importance of involving the marketing sector in these projects to ensure sustainability and outreach. Additionally, he proposed that CEMB and the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCB) submit a joint proposal to COMSTECH for mobility funds, enabling CEMB stem cell researchers to provide training to ICCB staff through a structured Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

On genetic testing, Dr. Iqbal recommended expanding CEMB’s services to receive samples from Sindh, particularly for genetic anomalies related to cardiac myopathies, which have a high prevalence in the region. He commended CEMB for offering cost-effective genetic testing solutions. Moreover, he encouraged CEMB to leverage its human resource expertise in advanced health technologies for training programs across OIC countries through COMSTECH, an idea to which Dr. Shahid Baig fully agreed.

Regarding biopharmaceuticals and Proteomics project, the participants agreed to initiate groundwork for Reverse Linkage Projects by preparing a working paper in collaboration with Bangladesh counterparts to seek funding from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). Additionally, Dr. Moaz proposed the establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee at CEMB to benefit from the expertise of Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary and Dr. Shahid Baig.

Dr. Iqbal also acknowledged CEMB’s contributions to training postdoctoral researchers and suggested that more postdocs could be accommodated under the government’s postdoctoral fellowship program.

The meeting concluded with a note of appreciation from Dr. Moaz, who thanked Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary and Dr. Shahid Baig for their valuable insights and time, underscoring the significance of these collaborations in advancing health research and innovation at CEMB.