OWSD Pakistan Chapter

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On May 2nd, 2026, members of the OWSD Pakistan National Chapter participated in the Academic Leadership Development Workshop for Graduate Students: Focus on Empowering HER at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

The workshop was organized by the Departments of Biological and Biomedical Sciences in collaboration with Continuing Professional Education at Aga Khan University.

The event speakers included a senior member of the OWSD PNC, Prof Zahra Hasan, who talked about Developing Leadership Skills and Confidence. Prof.Saima Saleem, Secretary of OWSD PNC, facilitated a virtual session titled "Creating Opportunities for Female Academic Leadership" as part of the workshop.

The OWSD PNC members who attended were Miss Syeda Zubia Naqvi (Events and Media Coordinator), Dr. Madiha Kanwal (Senior Member), Dr. Ume Kulsoom (Senior Member), and Miss Nazia Hassan (PhD fellow).

The workshop featured several interactive activities. In one role-play exercise, participants were divided into groups and given a realistic situation. Each group had to collaboratively generate ideas and demonstrate communication and leadership skills to handle the situation — an activity designed to build confidence. Participants also conducted a SWOT analysis at both the individual and institutional levels to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The session further emphasized the importance of mentorship and networking, highlighting how these are essential for career growth and for fostering a supportive academic environment.

The chapter remains committed to empowering women in STEM through leadership development and collaborative learning opportunities.

Pakistan has achieved a major breakthrough in livestock genomics: the whole genome sequencing of Red Sindhi cattle, completed by the Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) at the University of Karachi. Funded by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) Post Doctoral Fellowship Program Phase‑I, the research was led by Dr. Roohi Kanwal under Prof. Dr. Saima Saleem, in collaboration with the Sindh Institute of Animal Health (SIAH) and Gene Janch Center. The team also sequenced the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) from infected animals, offering critical insights into host-pathogen interactions. This milestone unlocks key genes linked to milk yield, heat tolerance, and disease resistance, enabling precision breeding and stronger biosecurity. Beyond science, it promises economic gains—healthier cattle mean better food security and rural incomes. Pakistan now joins the ranks of countries using genomics to fight climate challenges and boost agriculture. A proud moment for KIBGE, SHEC, and the nation. 🐄🧬

✨ Hands-On Training Workshop at KIBGE ✨

A Hands-On Training Workshop on Sequencing of Vitamin D Receptor Gene (VDR) through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was successfully conducted at the Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi on Wednesday, April 08, 2026

The workshop was organized by KIBGE in collaboration with the Sindh Higher Education Commission-Pakistan under the supervision of the Principal Investigator Prof. Sitwat Zehra (Treasurer, OWSD Pakistan National Chapter). The lecture and hands-on training session was led by Prof. Kamran Azim, Professora at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi.

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), including library preparation techniques and the application of bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis. The hands-on approach provided valuable practical exposure, enhancing participants’ understanding of modern molecular and genomic techniques.

The workshop concluded with a feedback session from participants, followed by the distribution of shields, in the presence of Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Director General, KIBGE. and Vice-Chancellor, University of Karachi. This was followed by a delightful lunch break.

This initiative reflects a continued commitment to building technical capacity and advancing research skills among students and young scientists.
University of Karachi Dr A Q Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Official

The OWSD Pakistan National Chapter proudly congratulates its Vice-President, Prof. Dr. Azra Khanum (T.I.), Ex-dean, Faculty of Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, on being selected for inclusion in the upcoming publication “Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advancing SDGs in Asia” by the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) through its Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Committee.

Prof. Khanum will be featured in the chapter dedicated to SDG 4: Quality Education, recognizing her impactful contributions to science, education, and sustainable development in the region. This prestigious publication highlights women leaders across Asia whose work is advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Khanum on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate her continued dedication to advancing science, education, and the empowerment of women in STEM.

The OWSD Pakistan National Chapter proudly congratulates its President, Prof. Dr. Bina S. Siddiqui (S.I., T.I.), HEC Distinguished National Professor at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, on being selected for inclusion in the upcoming publication “Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advancing SDGs in Asia” by the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) through its Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Committee.

Prof. Siddiqui will be featured in the chapter dedicated to SDG 4: Quality Education, recognizing her impactful contributions to science, education, and sustainable development in the region. This prestigious publication highlights women leaders across Asia whose work is advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Siddiqui on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate her continued dedication to advancing science, education, and the empowerment of women in STEM.

The OWSD Pakistan National Chapter participated in a special gathering hosted by the Russian Centre for Science and Culture (Russian House) in Karachi on March 08, marking International Women’s Day and featuring an iftar reception.

The event was hosted by Dr. Ruslan Prokhorov, Vice-Consul and Head of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Pakistan, together with Dr. Natalia Zhadovets, a prominent representative of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Karachi. The gathering brought together members of the academic and scientific community to celebrate women’s contributions and to encourage dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaboration.

During the event, Dr. Natalia Zhadovets engaged with attendees by asking questions related to International Women’s Day to women present at the gathering. As a gesture of friendship and appreciation, she also distributed gifts to selected participants.

Following the iftar, a cake-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the spirit of friendship and collaboration between the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and the OWSD Pakistan National Chapter.

On this occasion, Prof. Bina S. Siddiqui (S.I., T.I.), President of the OWSD Pakistan National Chapter, presented tokens of appreciation to Dr. Ruslan Prokhorov and Dr. Natalia Zhadovets in recognition of their hospitality and their continued support in promoting international collaboration and engagement with the scientific community.

The gathering provided a warm and meaningful platform for strengthening connections between academic institutions and international cultural organizations while celebrating the role of women in science, education, and society.