AVN Report
KARACHI: The Sindh Government will set up a laboratory, in collaboration with the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, with World Bank’s support, to enhance livestock breeding and boost agricultural productivity in the region through genomic selection.
The decision was reached during a meeting at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, chaired by Syed Najmi Alam, Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Livestock and Fisheries, and attended by senior officials.
Mr Alam highlighted the significance of breed improvement in strengthening food security and livestock efficiency, advocating for expanded collaboration with ICCBS for drug and vaccine quality assurance and the monitoring of pathogens.
Dr. Kazim Hussain Jatoi commended the centre’s capability to provide affordable and precise genome analysis and acknowledged contributions made by the Sindh Forensic and DNA Testing Laboratory during his tenure as health secretary.
Prof. Atta-ur-Rehman praised the centre’s achievements, attributing its success to the dedicated efforts of both academic and non-academic staff and the excellent maintenance of facilities.
Prof. Farzana Shaheen reiterated ICCBS’s commitment to socio-economic progress in Sindh and called for strengthened coordination among stakeholders to maximize the impact of the world-class research facilities available at ICCBS.
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed underscored the Genome Center’s contributions to human health research, particularly through the support of the Sindh Forensic and DNA Testing Laboratory in advancing justice and law enforcement.
Dr. Shahid Mansoor proposed establishing a Sindh Laboratory for Livestock Genomics to optimise breed identification and improvement through genomic selection.
The parties agreed to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the laboratory following necessary departmental approvals.
More MoUs are expected for veterinary drug quality assurance and a One Health Laboratory for pathogen genomics. Delegates also toured the Genome Center, Virology Center, and Third World Center to explore ongoing research projects.
