Dr. Baig emphasised that more work was needed to scientifically explore these disorders, their parental diagnosis, and genetic counselling in Pakistani families.
Professor Shahid Mahmood Baig was invited to give a seminar, which was organised by the department of biotechnology (Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation). 150 members of the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad faculty of biological sciences participated in the event.
Professor Shahid M. Baig was introduced as the guest speaker during the opening remarks by the chairperson of the department of biotechnology, Dr. Javaria Qazi, who also highlighted his lifetime accomplishments. She emphasised that more occasions like these ought to be planned to honour the achievements of the illustrious Pakistani scientists.
According to Professor Shahid Mahmood Baig, Pakistan has one of the highest rates of population growth in the world. Additionally, the nation has the highest rate of cousin marriages, which adds to the burden of hereditary diseases in the nation.
Dr. Baig spoke about the molecular causes of inherited conditions such as beta-thalassemia, limb deformities, inherited neurological disorders, intellectual disorders, deafness, cardiovascular disease, microcephaly, skin disorders, embryonic lethal, and vision impairments. The majority of these inherited disorders are very expensive to treat and difficult to diagnose.
Additionally, it causes the family great trauma and social pressure. Therefore, Dr. Baig emphasised that more work was needed to scientifically explore these disorders, their parental diagnosis, and genetic counselling in Pakistani families.
A very small amount, 0.2% of Pakistan’s GDP, is annually spent on science and technology. In contrast, the majority of nations are investing sizable sums in the same categories. As a result, Pakistan is falling behind in the race for science and technology.
Dr. Muhammad Ali (Deputy Director, Directorate of Student Affairs, QAU) thanked Professor Shahid M. Baig for sharing his experimental insights and experiences in his concluding remarks. He expressed his gratitude for all the arrangements to QALB (Quaidian Association of Leading Biotechnologists), their cabinet, and volunteers.
Dr. Javaria Qazi, Chair of the Department of Biotechnology at QAU, and Professor Sarwat Jahan, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences at QAU, were thanked by Dr. Ali for their initiative and support in setting up such events.
Additionally, the assistance of Professor Javed Iqbal Saggu (Director, Directorate of Student Affairs) and Dr. Sikandar Azam (Chairperson, National Center for Informatics) was recognised. The invited speaker was given a shield of honour and a bouquet of flowers to mark the event’s conclusion.