The Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore organised a two-day “International Conference on Bioethics in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology” here on Wednesday.

ChairmanPakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Dr Yousuf Zafar and Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha co-chaired the inaugural session of the conference while Dean Faculty of Biosciences Prof Dr Habib-ur-Rehman, Director Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology Dr Wasim Shehzad and a large number of participants from different countries, UVAS students and faculty members attended.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha said that biotechnology is the key tool for the development of livestock sector, genetics improvement and vaccine production in Pakistan. He said UVAS is focusing on innovative research, safe and healthy food provision to people. He said UVAS recently established clinical facilities which are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and we are providing clinical facilities to the poor farming community. He said UVAS played a vital role for the uplift of livestock, poultry, dairy and related sectors through its quality of education and research. He said conference will be very informative and beneficial for those working in the field of animal sciences. In the conference experts will share their innovative knowledge regarding bioethics and biotechnology techniques for skill enhancement of the professionals he added. He thanked to foreign delegation and professionals came from different countries to attend this conference and lauded the organizers to arrange such an informative and constructive conference.

Dr Yousuf Zafar said that modern technology shows a significant potential of agriculture biotechnology to contribute to sustainable gains in agriculture productivity, reducing poverty and enhancing food security even in socio-economic development of the country. He said another potential area for biotechnology application is the development of livestock that is tolerant to many tropical diseases. He said biotechnology consider a one tool in a large portfolio of technological option to be applied where it is needed and where it offers the best available option for solving specific problems.

Speaking about the conference objective, Dr Wasim Shahzad said that the conference focuses on demonstration of ethical issues of new technology in genomics, analysis of ethical, legal and social implementations of molecular biology & biotechnology application in society, capacity development in scientific community through team work of the experts and collaboration between private & public sectors and community awareness.

The conference themes include bioethics and health genomics, forensic medicine law & ethics, ethical issues in new technologies in regenerative medicines, bioethics & genetically modified organisms and ethical & legal implications for public database & biobanks etc. Various technical sessions and poster presentations will highlight the issues in bioethics.