Pakistan needs to promote forensic science to control drug trafficking: VICE CHANCELLOR GCU

The GC University Lahore Chemistry Department organized a seminar on “Drug control mechanism in Pakistan and effects of drug-money on our socio-economic set up”. Commandant Anti Narcotic Force Brig. Shahid Afzal was the Chief Guest and GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman; Izaz-I-Kamal, chaired the last session.    

Addressing the seminar, Brig. Shahid Afzal said that drug addiction is increasing among youth especially girls at school, colleges and universities level and there is dire need to run mass awareness campaign against drugs in educational institution. The ANF chief called upon the students to avoid smoking, saying that the cigarette is the first step towards drug addiction and “Sheesha” is second. He also highlighted the role of parents, teachers and media in controlling drug addiction among youth. He said that ANF is considered as the one of best three anti-narcotics forces of the world which is matter of great pride for Pakistan.

The participants of seminar with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman

Vice Chancellor GCU Lahore

Speaking the occasion, Prof. (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman; Izaz-I-Kamal, said that Pakistan needs to promote forensic science to control drug trafficking, crime and terrorism. He said that most of the crimes remain untraced because of lack of technical expertise and scientific facilities. He said that GCU was the first university in Pakistan to initiate post-graduate programmes in Forensic Chemistry and they are also taking steps to promote research in this modern discipline. He believed that the quality human resource produced by GCU would meet the need of crime investigation agencies in Pakistan. He said drug addicts should be treated as patients and the government should work for their rehabilitation, so that they can made useful citizens of the country.

GCU Chemistry Department Chairperson Prof. Dr. Islam Ullah Khan said drug addiction is very critical issue and a realistic approach should be adopted to deal with it. He advised the ANF to conduct a study on Political-economy of drug business, saying that it would prove useful in curbing it. Ravian Forensic Society Advisor Dr. M. Akhyar Farrukh also spoke on the occasion. Later, course coordinator Dr. Saleem Bokhari expressed thanked ANF for providing internship opportunities to GCU students.

(15-12-2011)

two PhDs DEGREE AWARDED in Chemistry

The GC University Lahore has awarded PhD degrees to two candidates in the subject of Chemistry. The GCU Examinations Department notified Muhammad Mufakkar and Muhammad Nadeem Arshad as Doctors of Philosophy in Chemistry after the approval of their thesis.  Muhammad Mufakkar did research on “Synthesis and Characterization of Copper (I) Complexes with Thiones” under the supervision of Dr. Abdul Waheed, while M. Nadeem Arshad worked on “Synthesis, X-ray studies and Biological Evaluation of Thiazine related Hetero-cycles” under the supervision of Prof Dr. Islam Ullah Khan.

(01-12-2011)

IWCN and GCU JOINTLY ORGANIZED Three-day workshop on CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND NANOMATERIALS

A three-day international workshop on “Crystallography and Nanomaterials” was organized under the auspices of International Union of Crystallography, GCU Chemistry Department and Ravian Forensic Society...(more)

(25-10-2011)

GCU LAHORE & PFSA DECIDE TO HOLD WORKSHOPS WITH MUTUAL COLLABORATION

GC University (GCU) Lahore and Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) have decided to organize training workshops for professionals involved in law enforcement to understand forensics. This was agreed during a meeting of PFSA Director General Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Tahir with GC University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman at the University’s Syndicate Committee Room. GCU Dean Faculty of Science and Technology Prof. Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq (SI), Chemistry Department Chairperson Prof. Dr. Islam Ullah Khan and Academic Planning and External Links Director Ms. Fauzia Shaheen were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, PFSA Director General Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Tahir said that the training of professionals involved in law enforcement would prove beneficial in creating an enabling environment for equality, fair play, justice and rule of law. He also offered to provide internship and training opportunities to the shinning postgraduate students of the GC University Lahore at the agency. Besides, the agency also offered to facilitate the research of PhD students of GCU in the areas of Forensic Sciences. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be signed between PFSA and GCU very soon in this regard.

Addressing the meeting, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said that GCU would extend its all-out support to PFSA. He told GCU is among the few educational institutions of the Country that is offering MS in Forensic Chemistry. He said the GCU Chemistry Department is equipped with latest high-tech equipments and motivated faculty members and PFSA would surely find dedicated and talented internees from there for their further training in forensic sciences.  

(29-09-2011)

GC UNIVERSITY LAHORE HOLDS SCIENCE POSTER EXHIBITION

GC University Lahore Chemistry Department held “Inter Universities Science Poster Exhibition” in collaboration with Ravians Forensic Society and international organisation MENDELEY. The main purpose of this exhibition was to highlight the quality research being carried out in Pakistan in the various fields of Chemistry. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman Vice Chancellor GC University Lahore opened the exhibition displaying more than 95 researches of international standards on various topics. Students from all over the country including Lahore College Women University Lahore, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Islamabad and Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad did participate in the exhibition and presented their research work.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman looks at research posters at the

“Inter Universities Science Poster Exhibition” held by the University’s Chemistry Department

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said that such events should be regularly held in all science departments as they don’t only provide students a platform to exhibit their research work but also help in improving their presentation skills and create a healthy environment of competition. He said that Pakistani students have great potential and they are doing quality research which is at par with international standards. Prof. Khaleeq said that GCU would provide open access to all the students and researchers to its analytical and diagnostic facilities. The vice chancellor advised all the students about the future prospects of their research.

Ravian Forensic Society Adviser Dr. M. Akhyar Farrukh said that 2011 has been declared the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) by the United Nations and the exhibition is the third activity of national level organised by GCU Chemistry Department to celebrate the IYC. He said that the GCU Chemistry Department will host three-day international workshop on crystallography and nano-materials very soon under the special instructions of Vice Chancellor.

Later, prizes, certificates and shields were given to the best three researchers. Mr. Muhammad Arsalan from Federal Urdu University, Islamabad Department of Applied Physics got first prize for his research on “Tunability of Physical Properties of ZnCuCe films with Copper Concentration.” Kennith Nazir, from GC University Lahore got second prize for his research on poster on “Acrachne Racemosa: A potent source for natural antioxidants.” Maymoona Mehbooob adjudicated got third prize for her research presentation on “Fabrication, Characterization and Application of Aluminium Alloy.”

(13-09-2011)

Two days workshop on Crystallography ended IN GCU

In continuation of celebration of International Year of Chemistry (IYC), the Department of Chemistry GC University organized a two days workshop on Crystallography. Dr. Masood Parvez Senior Instructor, Department of Chemistry Research University of Calgary was the guest of honour and resource person of the workshop. He delivered lectures on Crystals, Symmetry and Space Groups, Data Collection/Structure Solution, Structure refinements, Analysis of results and Cif publications. Prof. Dr. Khalid Pervaiz, Dean of Arts & Social Sciences was the chief guest. About 120 from GCU and different institutions participated in the workshop.

In the opening remarks Prof. Dr. Islam Ullah Khan, Chairperson Department of Chemistry highlighted the importance of X-ray crystallography and celebration of IYC at the department. He said that the Department of Chemistry is also establishing Pakistan Crystallographic Association with the support from IUCr and its first meeting will be held during the coming workshop. Application form for young chemist award is available on the IYC web pages. Dr. M. Akhyar Farrukh, announced that the next workshop will be held from 19^th to 21^st October 2011, which has been approved by the IYC panel under the celebration of IYC.  The Young Scientist Award will be given in collaboration with IUCr.

(10-6-2011)

establishment of RFS society

GC University’s Chemistry Department has actualized a new society namely the Ravian Forensic Society. It is a step ahead towards the achievements of the goals that GCU has formulated as first academic institution of Pakistan to eliminate crime from its sacred land. Previously, GCU took initiative to cater the dire need of forensic studies and intellectuals to study and investigate crimes by introducing Forensic Chemistry as a Discipline of higher studies in Pakistan.  People understand that for a developing country like Pakistan that has high crime rate and is fighting bloody war against terrorism, the need of forensic studies and investigation has become more indispensable and unavoidable. Ravian Forensic Society is the first ever society established in any university of Pakistan. The members of the society are  committed to play their pro-active role in the achievement of sacred goal as set by their worthy institution.

The society will work for the promotion of the forensic science as a career of choice for young people and will disseminate scientific knowledge about variety of crimes in Pakistan. Ravian Forensic Society is enthusiastically active to launch Anti Drug-Abuse expedition and to develop and flourish the linkages between academia and law enforcing agencies. It is offering open membership to students and professionals, not only of GCU but also from all over the Pakistan. Please Click Here to visit the Ravian Forensic Society page.

(23-05-2011)

gcu Signs MOU With TEC Lahore TO STRENGTHEN University-Industry Linkages

The GCU Chemistry Department signed a memorandum of understanding with Technology Exchange and Coordination Limited (TEC) to set up Students’ Placement Centre at the Sundar Industrial State Lahore for placement of its talented students in reputed industries for their projects and career development. Prof. Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq (SI) Vice Chancellor GCU and Siddiq-ur-Rehman Rana Chief Executive Officer TEC signed the accord at the University Syndicate Committee Room. The Dean of Social Sciences and Arts was also present.

The GCU in collaboration with TEC would also establish Industry Resource Centre (IRC) for facilitation in establishing new industry in Punjab. The Centre would work as incubator for new projects and also provide turnkey solutions for production lines. The scientists from GCU Chemistry would provide all technical expertise in this regard, especially in the domain of chemical testing and analysis services, development of analytical protocols, method of process validation and development of documentation structures.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq (SI) said that the industry needs to shift their reliance from their dependence on the West to indigenous research outcomes. “They need to encourage research generated by the Pakistan academia so that strong knowledge-base could be established and broadened locally,” he said. He deplored that a serious trust-deficit existed among the investors vis-à-vis Pakistani research. He said that the investors need to acknowledge that the quality of our research has soared very high in the last decade. The Vice Chancellor said the future of the country lies in the hands of bright and productive scientists. He further added that GCU is laying a particular stress on interdisciplinary research. He said that its time to dissolve the boundaries of academic departments within academic institutions and increase cooperation between various disciplines to cultivate an environment for research. The Vice Chancellor expressed his confidence in the original research and troubleshooting capabilities of faculty at GC University Lahore where new processes and working solutions are being developed for the local industry.

(26-4-2011)

IYC CELEBRATIONS AT GCU KICK OFF WITH RESEARCH EXHIBITION

The Chemistry department has kicked off celebrations for International Year of Chemistry (IYC) with a research exhibition on the theme of "Chemistry - our life, our future".

Prof. Khalid Aftab Vice Chancellor GCU opened the exhibition displaying more than 86 researches and case studies of international standards on various topics including "oxidative stress studies on indigenous medicinal planets especially wild olives", "Stop Smoking: a cigarettes reduces eight minutes of your life", "bio-diesel production from waste", "Crime Scene Studies", "pharmaceutical drug development using natural products" and "anti-microbial actives of constituents of black pepper."

Talking to the Vice Chancellor, GCU Chemistry Department postgraduate students said that in connection with the achievements in of chemistry and its contributions to wellbeing of mankind, United Nations declared the year as the year of chemistry. The department has decided to celebrate the year with full zeal and zest. They said that the objective behind presenting these researches on large-size flexes is to create awareness about creative science and motivate young students take interest in research activities.

The research of MS Forensic Chemistry student Shumila Younis Mughal titled "Forensic Case Study on Benzair Bhutto's assassination in context of United Nations Commission", remained in limelight at the event. Through her research, she conveyed concerns about the lesser collection of evidences from the crime scene. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Aftab appreciated the work of 23 students who conducted oxidative stress studies on indigenous plants including wild olives, black pepper and canola oil.

The researches also showed their intent to sell their research to local pharmaceutical industry for use of local herbs/natural products in the preparation of new formulations. It is pertinent to mention here that the 90 percent case studies and researches put on display have been published in reputed international journals.

(17-01-2011)

GCU AWARDS FIVE PHDS

The GC University Lahore has awarded four PhD degrees in Chemistry and one in Urdu. Tariq Hussain Zaidi completed did his research on the topic of “A reflection of Muslim traditions in Urdu Ghazal” Peter John, Sammia Yasmin, Ayesha Mohy-ud-din and Syed Tanveer Hussain are notified PhDs in Chemistry after the approval of their thesis.

(29-11-2010)

Dr. Akhyar Farrukh completed his 2^nd postdoctoral fellowship on nanomaterials from Malaysia

Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, completed his second postdoctoral research fellowship on nanomaterials in Malaysia which was awarded by the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), Italy and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

He was nominated as a Young Scientist from Pakistan by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, selected by the Inter Academy Panel (IAP), Italy among the 60 outstanding Young Scientists around the world and finally invited by World Economic Forum (WEF) for the WEF's Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2010, "Summer Davos" in Tianjin, China. He was also selected as delegation amongst the group of Young Scientists from developing countries by Bibliotheca Alexandrian (BA), Egypt and The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) for TWAS/BioVisionAlexandria.NXT 2010 and BioVisionAlexandria, Alexandria, Egypt. He also participated as a Young Scientist from Pakistan by German Young Academy and Inter Academy Panel (IAP), Italy for the establishment of Global Young Academy (GYA) in Berlin in February 2010. His name also included in Marquis Who's Who latest edition.

(13-08-2010)

GCU SIGNED AGREEMENT WITH DESCON: an example of University-Industry Liaison

The Department of Chemistry, GC University Lahore has recently signed an agreement with Descon Chemicals Limited to provide expertise and technology for industrial production of chemicals being currently used in Pakistan.  The agreement was signed by Dr. Ikram ul Haq, Dean Faculty of Science and Technology on behalf of GC University Lahore and Mr. Taimur Dawood, Chief Executive of Descon Chemicals Limited.  The technology and expertise transfer agreement between Descon and GCU is the first technology transfer agreement of its kind signed between a local university and industry in Pakistan. According to the subject of agreement a team comprising of Prof. Mohammad Saeed Iqbal, Dr. Ahmad Adnan and Dr. Fahim A. Qureshi and some others experts from GC University will provide technical assistance to Descon for manufacturing and improving quality of industrial chemicals based on indigenous technology developed by GC University Lahore. Director, Academic Planning & External Links, Ms. Fouzia Shahin said on the occasion that partnership with industries, like DESCON will play a pivotal role to bridge the gap between academia and industry and will open up new vistas for researchers in generating new and widely available knowledge to enhance development.

The Vice Chancellor, GC University expressed his confidence in the original research and trouble shooting capabilities of faculty at GC University Lahore where new processes and working solutions are being developed for the local industry.

(05-07-2010)

PROF. SEIK WENG MEETS GCU VICE CHANCELLOR

The Universities all over the world have entered into a ranking race. Prof. Seik Weng Ng, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur said that the Universities have expedited their research programmes to ensure superior places in the list of top universities  in a meeting with Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab Vice Chancellor, GC University and senior faculty members. Prof. Seik Weng is the top scientist in the filed of X-ray Crystallography. He has came to the university on the request of GCU Department of Chemistry for one-week professional training programme for the university staff and research students on the recent advances in the filed of Crystallography. 

Prof. Seik Weng Ng said that modern machinery and software have made research in the fields of natural sciences easier. He said that researchers in some disciplines are producing two research papers daily. The foreign professor told the GCU researchers modern techniques of expediting the research work and retrieving more information from the machines through latest software programmes. Prof. Seik Weng Ng was briefed that the GCU Chemistry Department produced more than 100 papers in the filed of Crystallography in 2009 under the supervision of the Professor Salam Ullah Khan.

“The Vice Chancellor GCU, Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab, presenting the shield to Prof. Seik Wang”

Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab said the future of the country lies in the hands of bright and productive scientists, He further added that GCU is laying a particular stress on interdisciplinary research. He said that its time to dissolve the boundaries of academic departments within academic institutions and increase cooperation between various disciplines to cultivate an environment for research. Talking about the culture of GCU, Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab says “we don’t dictate. We guide students. We teach them tolerance and paying respect to the ideas, race and faith of other people.”   

Prof. Seik Weng, who has been spending most of the time in the university laboratories with students, showed interest in joint research ventures with the GCU researchers, for which he said that he is looking forward to come Pakistan again.

(26-05-2010)

GCU awards PhD degrees IN URDU, BOTANY AND CHEMISTRY.

GC University Lahore has awarded five doctors of philosophy in the fields of Urdu, Botany, Chemistry and Statistics. Ms Samina Naeem as awarded the Doctor of Philosophy in Urdu on the completion of her thesis on ‘The Critical Analysis of Urdu Ghazal’ under the supervision of Dr Muhammad Khan Ashraf. Ms Shiasta Hameed Khan got the PhD degree for his research on Mulana Hamid Ali Khan under the guidance Prof. Dr Saadat Saeed. Mujhaid Hussain was notified Doctor of Philosophy in Botany after the approval of his thesis titled ‘Studies on the improvement of yeast strain for the biosynthesis of L-Phenylacetylcarbinol.” Hamim Bokhari was declared Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry on her work titled “Immobilized Enzyme and Cell Systems for Hydrolysis of Proteins.”

Vice Chancellor GCU Dr Khalid Aftab congratulated the researchers on the completion of their higher degrees. However, he advised the students that PhD should not be their final goal, rather it should be the beginning of a new goal for them. He said that GCU had produced 19 PhD scholars only in the filed of Mathematics in 2009.

(12-03-2010)

Dr Akbar Ali delivers a lecture on “developing small molecule therapeutics against drug resistant HIV-1”.

Department of Chemistry organized an invited lecture of Dr Akbar Ali, currently working as Research Assistant Professor in Chemical Biology Program of University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester. The topic was “developing small molecule therapeutics against drug resistant HIV-1”. He also presented his research work on structure-based design and discovery of new protease inhibitors that are more effective against clinically relevant MDR protease variants. Dr Ali has more then twenty publications on natural product and synthetic research in high impact factor journals like Nature Biotechnology, JACS and J. Medicinal Chemistry.

The guest speaker Dr. Ali elaborated that HIV-1 currently infects an estimated 33 million people worldwide, and the numbers of infected people and deaths due to AIDS continue to rise despite the availability of antiviral drugs. HIV-1 protease inhibitor represents the most potent antiviral agents currently in use for the treatment of HIV-AIDS. The efficacy of these drugs, however, is increasingly compromised by the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) protease variants. The lecture was ended with rigorous question-answer session. 

(12-01-2010)