ZU conference highlights emerging trends in pharmacology research

KARACHI, Jul 18 (APP):Ziauddin University’s Department of Pharmacology, Ziauddin Medical College, organized PharmaCon-2026 under the theme “Transforming Knowledge into Therapeutics,” bringing together leading healthcare professionals, researchers, academicians and industry experts to promote scientific collaboration and therapeutic innovation.

The conference aimed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care by translating scientific discoveries into safe, effective and accessible treatments.

Addressing the participants, Ziauddin University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh stressed the need for Pakistan to develop indigenous research and pharmaceutical solutions rather than relying on imported knowledge and medicines. He said conferences such as PharmaCon provide an important platform for scientists, clinicians and industry experts to collaborate on local healthcare solutions while inspiring young researchers to innovate.

Speaking on the growing threat of drug abuse, Additional Collector, Pakistan Customs, Dr. Ali Raza Turabi warned young people against taking the first step towards substance abuse. He said drug trafficking networks have become increasingly sophisticated by combining technology with international criminal operations, making drug abuse not only a medical issue but also a challenge to public health, law enforcement, education, families and national security. He added that every intercepted drug shipment, every awareness initiative and every successful rehabilitation effort contributes to a healthier and safer Pakistan.

Syed Amir Sajjad, Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Sajjad’s Australian Concept Infertility, IVF and Genetics Centre, highlighted the importance of translating research into practical healthcare solutions. He said scientific discoveries achieve their true value only when they improve diagnosis and treatment, inform national healthcare policies and enhance patient care.

Principal of Ziauddin Medical College, Prof. Dr. Sadaf Mumtaz, emphasized that cardiometabolic health requires an integrated approach involving basic science, clinical research and computational drug discovery to develop advanced therapeutic solutions.

Earlier, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ziauddin University, Prof. Dr. Abbas Zafar, said pharmacology forms the foundation of every prescription, life-saving treatment and medical research study, underscoring the need to strengthen the discipline for improved medical education and better patient outcomes.

Chief Organizer of PharmaCon-2026, Prof. Dr. M. Owais Ismail, said the conference provided a valuable platform for researchers, clinicians and academicians to exchange knowledge, strengthen scientific collaboration and promote a robust research culture aimed at transforming pharmacological discoveries into therapeutic solutions.

The conference featured six oral presentations and 32 poster presentations and concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing pharmacological research, therapeutic innovation and scientific collaboration for the benefit of patients and society.