Day: July 22, 2026

Karachi: The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) has invited research papers from national and international researchers, academicians, and scientists for the December 2026 issue of the FUUAST Journal of Biology (FJB), published under the auspices of the University’s academic journal.

According to a press release, the journal welcomes original, high-quality research articles in the fields of Biological Sciences, Biochemical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences.

Karachi: The Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) organized a two-day workshop titled “Cell Culture Techniques in Biomedical Research” at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK), on July 21-22.

Director of ICCBS Prof. Dr M. Raza Shah inaugurated the workshop through an online address. Acting Director of ICCBS, Prof. Dr. Syed Abid Ali, also spoke on the occasion.

In his address, Prof. Raza Shah welcomed the participants and said that the workshop would provide an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in cell culture methodologies while helping build research capacity to translate laboratory techniques into academic, industrial, and clinical applications.

He also briefed the participants on the international stature of ICCBS, highlighting that it is among Pakistan’s leading centers of excellence in chemical, biological, and biochemical sciences and serves as an international hub for training scholars from various countries.

Prof. Syed Abid Ali emphasized the importance of acquiring knowledge, stating that the Holy Quran also encourages the pursuit of knowledge.

He said that education is an essential human right and a key driver of both personal and societal development, as it equips individuals with critical thinking skills, promotes self-reliance, and enhances opportunities for economic success.

Prof. Syed Abid Ali noted that cell culture is one of the foundational techniques in modern biology, biotechnology, and biomedical research. Whether we study disease mechanisms, test new drugs, or manufacture vaccines and biologics, the ability to grow and maintain cells is essential, he said.

Dr. Almas Jabeen, one of the workshop facilitators, informed the participants that the workshop comprised formal lectures and laboratory sessions delivered through an integrated learning approach.

The training included theoretical concepts, underlying principles, and hands-on instruction in aseptic techniques, media preparation, cell line maintenance, sub-culturing, cryopreservation, contamination control, and good laboratory practices to ensure laboratory safety and quality standards.

It is pertinent to mention that Prof. Dr. Asmat Salim of the Stem Cell Research Laboratory and Dr. Almas Jabeen of the Immunology Laboratory served as the resource persons for the workshop.

The workshop was attended by around 50 participants from Karachi and other parts of the country, including graduate and postgraduate students as well as faculty members from the disciplines of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and related fields.

Karachi: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Javed Alam Odho on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review proposals for establishing a Digital Forensic Laboratory to strengthen the force’s investigative capabilities.

The meeting, held at the Central Police Office Karachi, was attended by the Additional IGP Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), DIGPs Headquarters, IT, Telecommunications and Transport (TandT), Training, and other senior officers.

During the meeting, the Project Director IT gave a detailed briefing on the proposed Digital Forensic Laboratory, outlining its scope, technical requirements and implementation plan.

The participants were informed that mobile phones, computers and other digital devices now constitute key evidence in around 97 per cent of investigation cases, while digital evidence is found in nearly 90 per cent of criminal cases worldwide.

The briefing highlighted that, given the growing reliance on digital evidence in criminal investigations, amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a modern in-house Digital Forensic Laboratory for Sindh Police had become essential.

Addressing the meeting, the IGP Sindh directed the Digital Forensic Laboratory Committee, headed by the Additional IG CTD, to finalize its recommendations at the earliest.

He instructed the committee to prepare a comprehensive and practical proposal covering the laboratory’s objectives, organizational structure, human resource requirements, infrastructure, modern equipment, software, training needs, legal framework and financial estimates for approval.

Javed Alam Odho said modern crimes could no longer be effectively investigated through conventional methods, stressing that advanced technology, digital evidence and scientific investigation had become indispensable for effective policing.

He said Sindh Police was taking practical steps to transform itself into a modern, technology-driven and professional police force, adding that the proposed Digital Forensic Laboratory would be a significant milestone towards achieving that vision.

Karachi: A tragic incident in Karachi’s Bhittai Colony claimed the lives of two people, while four others were left unconscious after reportedly inhaling toxic fumes from a generator, on Tuesday, according to police quoted by tv channels.

Initial reports stated that the generator fumes accumulated inside the room, leading to the deadly incident. The victims were exposed to the toxic emissions, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving four others unconscious.

Upon receiving the information, rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the unconscious victims to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.