The UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Halophyte Utilization is part of the UNITWIN Programme of UNESCO launched in 1992, an abbreviation for the university education twinning and networking scheme. This UNESCO programme aims at capacity building through knowledge sharing between universities and research institutions in partnership with higher education NGOs, foundations and public sector organizations thereby opening up new avenues to achieve global objectives. The UINTWIN Programme covers training, research and eductional programmes.

UNESCO Halophyte Chair Inaugurated (October 26, 2009)

The UNESCO Halophyte Chair in Sustainable Halophyte Utilization was inauguarted on October 26, 2009 at the University of Karachi by Prof. Dr. Javaid Laghari, the HEC Chairman and Chief Guest of the occasion alongwith Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, the Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi. Prof. Laghari visited the lab and greenhouse facilities at ISHU, exchanged views about the projects involving halophyte uses and appreciated Prof. Khan's efforts in foreseeing an important avenue of research that could actually be translated toward applied aspects for the benefit of masses within Pakistan and elsewhere.