Plant scientists on Monday deliberated upon the looming threat of food insecurity to the world at the opening day of the international conference on plant sciences at the Government College University, Lahore. About 241 scientists are scheduled to present their papers at the three-day conference organized by the university's Botany Department with a collaboration of Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Science Foundation to develop fruitful and long-lasting research collaboration among biologists and environmentalists in the field of plant sciences.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman chaired the inaugural session of the conference which was spread over 12 technical sessions and research poster exhibition. About five foreign scientists from UK, Nigeria and China attended the first technical session of the conference on 'plant diversity'.
Addressing the conference, speakers cautioned the government that Pakistan may face food insecurity in the coming future if adequate attention was not paid to protection against floods, environment and biodiversity conversion and development of plant sciences. They said the government should involve scientists and academicians to make comprehensive strategy to avert natural disasters like floods.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Azhra, an eminent marine biologist from Glasgow University, UK, highlighting the importance of plant sciences said food is going to be one of the biggest issues in the world of technology. She said "even now there is lot of hunger in developed countries where a large section of society can't afford food, while situation is worst in the developing countries." She laid a particular stress on strong collaboration among scientists at the national and international level to fight the threat of food insecurity.
Professor Dr Job N. Nindu from Nigeria said Pakistani teachers had played a strong role in developing the education system in Nigeria. He said his secondary school teacher is also a Pakistani. He lauded the hospitality of Pakistanis, saying they are a wonderful nation.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said all departments of GCU are organising international conferences and the proceedings of theses conferences would be published and registered as per international standards to make an effect to place GCU in ranking of world top universities. He said he had provided latest equipment and upgraded lab facilities of all the university's department of GCU to hone their potential.
GCU Botany Department Chairperson Dr Ghazala Yasmin Butt said the conference is being held in connection with 150 years celebrations of GCU. She said GCU Botany Department, established in 1912, is the oldest department of botany in Pakistan having strong traditions of research.
Addressing the conference, Professor Dr Kauser A Malik from FCC University, Lahore, and Professor Dr Muhammad Ali from Islamic University, Bahawalpur said modern research was complex and multidisciplinary and it was not possible for a single university to possess all the knowledge and equipment. Therefore, they added, it was imperative to establish academic and research links and share resources, expertise and equipment with each other.
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