The Department of Pharmacy at Iqra University Islamabad Campus (IUIC) successfully organized IU-INSPIRE 2026, its inaugural National Conference on Impactful Next-Generation Solutions in Pharmaceutical Innovations & Research Excellence.
Iqra university national conference on impactful next-generation solutions in pharmaceutical innovations & research excellence
ISLAMABAD, Jun 13 (APP): The Department of Pharmacy at Iqra University Islamabad Campus (IUIC) successfully organized IU-INSPIRE 2026, its inaugural National Conference on Impactful Next-Generation Solutions in Pharmaceutical Innovations & Research Excellence.
The conference united academicians, researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, regulators, and students from across Pakistan to explore emerging trends in pharmaceutical sciences, said a press release here on Saturday.
It served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the promotion of innovative research aimed at addressing current and future healthcare challenges.
The proceedings commenced with an uplifting tone where Dr Farzeen Khan, the Conference Secretary, formally welcomed the participants, outlining the event’s objectives and acknowledging the dedication of the Conference Leadership and Secretariat. The organizers also extended their gratitude to Herbiotics Nutraceuticals for their generous sponsorship and support. An introductory presentation highlighted the achievements of Iqra University and its Department of Pharmacy, emphasizing a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and healthcare advancement.
The successful execution of the event was guided by its leadership and organizing teams, including Patron Prof. Dr. Eatzaz Ahmed, Co-Patron & Head of Department Prof. Dr. Kishwar Sultana, Conference Chair Dr. Maria Mir, and Conference Secretary Dr. Farzeen Khan. The Secretariat Members included Dr. Syed Zaki Husain Rizvi, Dr. Muhammad Imran Asad, Dr. Muhammad Nouman Arif, and Dr. Tabinda Azim.
The inaugural session featured eminent personalities from various sectors, such as Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram (Vice Chancellor, Iqra University), Prof. Dr. Jamshaid Ali Khan (Vice Chancellor, University of Buner and Chief Guest), Dr. Obaidullah (Chief Executive Officer, DRAP), Mr. Usman Shaukat (President, RCCI and Managing Director, Bio-Labs Corporate Group/Bio-Next Pharmaceuticals), and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Imran (Dean, Department of Pharmacy). Other distinguished representatives sharing valuable insights included Dr. Akhtar Abbas Khan (CEO Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Sir Sardar Shabbir Ahmed (Secretary, Quality Control Board, Islamabad), Prof. Dr. Hazrat Bilal (Director General, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan), Mr. Hasan Haarain Hote (Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health), Mr. Muhammad Danish Khan (Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Herbiotics Nutraceuticals), Mr. Nasir M. Qureshi (Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paramount Pharma), and Prof. Dr. Saira Azhar (Associate Professor, University of Sargodha & Ex-Dean Department of Pharmacy, Iqra University).
Renowned scholars delivered inspiring presentations during the keynote sessions. Prof. Dr. Jamshed Iqbal (Dean. Faculty of Sciences COMSATS University, Islamabad) delivered an insightful talk on contemporary developments and future directions in pharmaceutical research. Dr. Shakira Ghazanfar (Senior Scientific Officer, National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology) shared her extensive expertise in biotechnology, genomics, and translational research.
The academic program featured eight invited speakers from leading institutions, exploring innovative therapeutic approaches, regulatory perspectives, and molecular biology. Invited Speakers included: Dr. Fakhar Ud Din (Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad), Dr. Arham Shabbir (Director Academics, Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), Lahore), Dr. Omer Ikhlaq Bhutta (Director Pharmacy, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore), Dr. Salwa Ahsan (Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad), Prof. Dr. Syed Aun Muhammad (Professor, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan), Prof. Dr. M. Zaman Ashraf (Chairperson, Department of Chemistry, Rawalpindi Women University, Rawalpindi), Prof. Dr. Gul Shahnaz (Ex-Chair Person Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad UNESCO-L’O’real International Fellow), and Prof. Dr. Ihsan ul Haq (Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad).
A key attraction was the Scientific Poster Competition, which provided undergraduate and postgraduate researchers a chance to showcase findings and network with industry experts. Additionally, Oral Presentation Sessions allowed participants to present original scientific work to a panel of experts, promoting scientific communication and highlighting the diversity of ongoing research.
As a gesture of appreciation, souvenirs and shields were awarded to the Chief Guest, keynote speakers, industry representatives, faculty and student organizers. The event successfully facilitated meaningful networking, providing opportunities to strengthen academia-industry linkages and discuss current pharmaceutical challenges.
IU-INSPIRE 2026 stood out as one of the year’s most significant pharmaceutical science conferences, drawing over 250 participants from 27 prestigious institutions nationwide. The event featured 10 eminent speakers (2 keynote, 8 invited) and showcased 70 presentations — 25 oral and 45 posters — reflecting the depth and energy of emerging research talent.
With 150 enthusiastic general participants and the distinguished presence of 25 HoDs, Deans, and Directors of Pharmacy Institutions from across Pakistan. IU-INSPIRE 2026 achieved its goal of promoting impactful research and professional development, standing as a testament to Iqra University’s dedication to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences in Pakistan.
