‘Scientific approach vital for country’s progress’

Science has played a pivotal role in the wellbeing and welfare of humanity. It is heartening to see our young students, especially girls, taking keen interest in the field of science, observed provincial health minister, Dr Sikandar Ali Mandhro, on Monday.

Addressing the closing session of the three-day long Fifth International Council for Life Sciences, Dr Mandhro stressed on making continuous scientific efforts to eradicate the emergence of diseases.

The event titled ‘Responsible Conduct of Science: Ethical Concerns in Medical and Pharmaceutical Practice and Research’ was organised by the University of Karachi’s Dr A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE).

Lauding the overall efforts of the institute’s director general, Dr Abid Azhar, the health minister appreciated him for organising a conference on such a pertinent issue. Dr Mandhro assured that he would convey recommendations made at the conference to the relevant government departments for implementation.

KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan, also spoke on the importance of the conference’s theme which, he stated, was most relevant to developing countries.

“It’s the responsibility of scientists to ensure that science is being used for positive purposes and welfare of the humanity. Scientists are the guardians of this respectable profession which is responsible to provide not only a better lifestyle to the mankind but more opportunities to survive in this world.”

Earlier, Prof Azhar while speaking at the event said that anti-science elements prevailed in our society to a great extent. “These elements want people to be small-minded and irrational, but organising such activities is no less than Jihad against such elements because we want our society to be rational and tolerant,” he said. 

He hoped the recommendations introduced at the conference would help researchers, academicians, thinkers and policy makers in preparing a code of conduct for responsible science.

Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari of the Quaid-e-Azam University in his research stated that the 21st century is believed to be the century of biology owing to phenomenal advancements in life sciences, specifically in biotechnology.

“This perception has also raised concerns about the misuse of biological research. Research conducted on life sciences and biotechnology in particular will have profound impacts on generations to come. Countries have to think above their security challenges and cooperate with each other to cope with these issues.”

Renowned microbiologist and vice chancellor of the Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education, Prof Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi, and KU Dean Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof Dr Iqbal Azhar, also spoke at the event.