HEC workshop on Hands-on Training in Ecophysiological Techniques (April 12-14, 2014)

A three days workshop funded by the Higher Education Commission, Islamabad was organized by the Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization (ISHU) under the auspices of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi (April 12-14, 2014).
In this workshop Prof. Hans-Werner Koyro, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany and Prof. M. Ajmal Khan, the founding Director of ISHU, (currently the Professorial Chair in Sustainable Development at Qatar University) helped in training student groups in the efficient use of instruments for ecophysiological methods and interpretation of results on some salt tolerant plants.
At the concluding ceremony held on April 14, 2014, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Karachi hosted the occasion while Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan was invited as Chief Guest. Prof. Dr. Bilquees Gul, the Director ISHU, welcomed the guests and highlighted the reasons for organizing such a workshop which are in consort with the aims of establishing the Institute. She mentioned that the importance of human resource development and student training in emerging technologies and approaches cannot be overlooked. This is particularly true for warm sub-tropical countries which are faced with salinity, drought and waterlogging in prime agricultural lands. Naturally salt tolerant plants or "halophytes" are rich sources of chemicals for producing medicines, biofuel, fodder and many other economic usages. Working with these specialized plants requires specialized training protocols to understand, monitor and sustainable utilization for human benefit.
Prof. AjmalKhan,indicated the pioneering role and leading position of ISHU in halophyte biology research and highlightedthe importance of these valuable resources. Prof. Khan pointed to the increased emphasis around the world towards halophyte research to ensure food and fuel security and urged the faculty and students to strive for high quality research.
Prof. Koyromentioned his long association with Prof. Khan in promoting research and teaching of halophyte biology at ISHU and his commitment for future collaboration towards this aim. Prof. Koyro appreciated the interest and enthusiasm of young researchers and students in adapting modern research methodologies which has motivated him to visit Pakistan on numerous occasions.
Prof. Dr. AbidAzhar, Dean Faculty of Science, mentioned the unique position of ISHU in having a highly specialized and specific aim of research compared to most other research institutes at the University of Karachi. He appreciated the efforts of Prof. Khan in successfully establishing state of the art facilities at ISHU.
The honorable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M. Qaiser discussed why it is important to work on halophytic plants and the problems associated with rising population,which demand innovative alternatives, such as the use of halophytes to reduce pressure on declining fresh water availability. Prof. Qaiser also ensured his full support and cooperation for strengthening the facilities at ISHU.
Certificate were distributed among the workshop participants and vote of thanks was given by Dr. Salman Gulzar, Associate Professor, ISHU.

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