Past Events

Lecture Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (2 hours)

October 15 to November 30, 2025

Flyer: Click Here

OIC – COMSTECH, in collaboration with the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi, is pleased to announce the COMSTECH – PCMD Training Course in Virology and Pandemic Preparedness.

This intensive six-week program is designed to provide hands-on training and practical knowledge in the following critical areas:

• Epidemiology of viral diseases
• Biorisk assessment: identification of possible sources of viruses and prevention of new zoonotic diseases
• Development of diagnostics and therapeutics against viral outbreaks
• Dealing with viral infections: real-time data collection and preparation for future outbreaks

Funding Support

Selected participants will receive:

• Free of cost supervised lab access and mentorship at PCMD
• Free of cost accommodation and meals provided by PCMD
• International travel support funded by OIC-COMSTECH

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All OIC member states
• Minimum Qualification: M.S./Ph.D. in Biomedical/Health Sciences
• Fields of Study: Virology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Age Limit: 35 years (graduate studies) | 45 years (post-graduate studies)

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the following link:
Application Form : Click Here
Program Details: Attached

Application Deadline: 18th September 2025;  For further inquiries, please contact:
📧 khazima@comstech.org | ☎️ (+92 51) 9220681-3

Date: November 14, 2025  
Time: 03:00-04:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time

Abstract:
OIC-COMSTECH cordially invites you to a thought-provoking webinar that delves into one of the most urgent issues of our time the escalating impacts of climate change across South Asia. This session aims to analyze the lessons learned from recent extreme flood events and explore ways to strengthen regional resilience, policy coordination, and community-based adaptation strategies.

South Asia faces an increasing frequency of extreme flood events that disrupt lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. These floods are stark reminders of the region’s vulnerability to climate change and the limitations of current disaster management systems. This webinar aims to examine major flood events in South Asia to extract key lessons on adaptation, resilience, and policy response. It will discuss socio-economic and environmental impacts, highlight successful community resilience practices, and propose ways to strengthen regional cooperation and early warning systems for future climate-induced disasters.

Webinar Objectives:

To analyze and highlight lessons learned from South Asia’s extreme flood events as a means to strengthen regional climate resilience, policy coordination, and community-based adaptation strategies.

Target audiences: Young Scholars, Health Sciences, PhD students, Ecosystems Sciences, and Environmental sciences, Policymakers, and scientists with expertise in data analysis, including NGO, to strengthen evidence-based solutions across the OIC member states.

Distinguished Speakers:

Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam

Professor & Director,

Center for Infrastructure Research and Sustainable Development (CIRS)
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North South University

Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam is a distinguished academic and researcher with over two decades of experience in water resources, environmental engineering, climate change, and disaster management. Since joining NSU in 2005, he has served in key leadership roles, including Dean of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Founder Chair of the CEE Department. A Ph.D. graduate of The University of Tokyo and former Postdoctoral Fellow at JST, Dr. Islam has collaborated with leading global institutions such as UNFCCC, IPCC, ADB, UNDP, GIZ, and the World Bank. He currently serves on the Board of BAETE, contributing to engineering education reform in Bangladesh. Author of over 100 publications, Dr. Islam is also Editor of the Journal of Water Management Modeling (JWMM), Canada, and a frequent speaker at prestigious international conferences worldwide.

Webinar Flyer: Click Here

Registration link: Click Here

Webinar Coordinator:

Md. Rakibul Hasan
Junior Program Manager
Email:  jpmrakib@comstech.org

Date: 12^th nov, 2025 at 03:00 PM (PST)

Guest Speaker: Prof. Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, FRS
President of The World Academy of Sciences

Flyer: Click Here

Abstract

Resilient research institutions are vital to confronting today’s global health challenges and preparing for those of tomorrow.

Local leadership driving solutions to local priorities, synergistic partnerships and collaborations, long-term investments in research, local infrastructure, human capacity and the next generation of science leadership is key for realising the transformative potential of science for social and economic well-being in low and middle-income countries that benefit everyone.

Three decades of HIV and TB research illustrate the translation of science to policy and practice, benefitting the most vulnerable, and the rapid pivoting to respond to the more recent COVID-19 pandemic.

In these unprecedented and volatile times, we need science that unites countries to ensure sustainable futures for this and generations to come.

Objectives:

1. To highlight strategies for building resilient research institutions capable of addressing current and emerging global health challenges.
2. To share experiences and lessons learned from South Africa’s research ecosystem, particularly in HIV, TB, and COVID-19 responses.
3. To promote local leadership and ownership in driving research agendas that address national and regional priorities.
4. To emphasize the importance of sustainable investments in infrastructure, human capacity, and institutional development for long-term scientific impact.
5. To foster partnerships and collaborations that strengthen knowledge exchange and innovation across low- and middle-income countries.
6. To inspire policy and decision-makers to support science-driven solutions for social and economic development

Target Beneficiaries:

1. Researchers and scientists in low- and middle-income countries seeking models for institutional resilience and impactful research.
2. Research institutions and universities aiming to strengthen capacity, leadership, and sustainability.
3. Policy-makers and funding agencies interested in aligning national priorities with research investments.
4. Public health professionals and practitioners benefiting from evidence-based policies and practices.
5. Students and early-career researchers aspiring to become future science leaders.
6. Communities and populations that ultimately benefit from improved health outcomes and socio-economic development driven by local science initiatives.

Registration link: Click Here

Contact Info
For any query, Please contact on the below given Email address.
Email: Khazima@comstech.org
Khazima Muazim
Programme Manager

Registration Link-Click Here

Registration Link-Click Here

Winter School 2024
Theme “Socio-Economic Importance of Medicinal Plant Production”
25-28 November, 2024
The University of Central Punjab, Historical Mughal City of Lahore, Pakistan

Program_NAPRECA_UCP_Winter_School: Click Here

Flyer: Click Here

We are proud to announce the 21st Winter School of the Natural Product Research Network for East and
Central Africa (NAPRECA) that will be hosted at the University of Central Punjab in the historical Mughal
city of Lahore, Pakistan 25-28 November 2024. The theme for this event is “Socio- Economic Importance
of Medicinal Plants Production”. This is a historical moment and a milestone in the history of NAPRECA,
as it is the first time to organize such a big event outside Africa in Lahore, Pakistan.

Lahore is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Punjab. As the second largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi, and 26th largest in the world, with a population of over 13 million, Lahore is one of Pakistan’s major industrial and economic hubs. It has been the historic capital and cultural center of the wider Punjab region, and one of Pakistan’s most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities.

It is our pleasure that NAPRECA winter school will be organized under the auspices of Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Mustafa (PBUH) Prize Laureate, H. I., S. I., T. I., Coordinator General COMSTECH, Distinguished National Professor/ Honorary Advisor ICCBS/ Vice President TWAS (South and Central Asia). NAPRECA also expresses deepest gratitude for the support from the International Science Programme,Uppsala University, Sweden.

The event aims at addressing the issue of industrialization of medicinal plants production as well as
social and economic importance of this sector. Young African researchers from Botswana, Cameroon, DR
Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe are
nominated by the chairs of the chapters in these countries to participate in the event. The scientific
program will include invited keynote lectures, invited short lectures, practical and poster sessions.
Looking forward meeting you in Lahore.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee

Prof. Dr. Sameh AbouZid
NAPRECA Executive Secretary

On December 3^rd – 4^th, 2024

Venue:  COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Organized by: COMSTECH Secretariat

with the cooperation of Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and the
International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Technical Committee:

• Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Science and Policy Advisor, International Water Management Institute(IWMI), Pakistan
• Dr.  Hifza Rasheed, Director General (WQ), Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, (PCRWR), Islamabad, Pakistan
• Dr.  Mohsin Hafeez, Director, Water, Food and Ecosystems, International Water Management Institute(IWMI), Pakistan
• Dr. Kamran Ansari, Professor & Director, U.S.-Pakistan Center for   Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

Organizing Committee: 

• Focal Person:                    Prof. Dr. S. Khurshid Hasanain
  Adviser COMSTECH
• Workshop coordinator: Ms. Khazima Muazim
  Programme Manager, COMSTECH

• Members:                    
  

Mr. Aftab Hussain Zaidi
Senior Director HR & Administration COMSTECH

Mr. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman
Senior Director Finance & Accounts COMSTECH

Mr. Naveed Aamer
General Manager Hospitality COMSTECH

Mr. Usman Quddus Malik
Assistant Director (IT) COMSTECH

Mr. Ikram Abbasi
Sr. Programme Manager COMSTECH

Mr. Umer Ali
Programme Officer COMSTECH

Mr. Muhammad Jamil
PS COMSTECH

Mr. Rizwan Raza
Admin Officer COMSTECH

Mr. Shabbir Hussain
Media Coordinator COMSTECH

International Resource Persons

Dr Amgad ELmahdi
Regional Manager – Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Egypt
Green Climate Fund-GCF

Dr. Majid Labbaf Khaneiki
Assistant Professor, University of Nizwa, Oman
UNESCO Chair on Aflaj Studies (Archaeo-Hydrology)

Dr. Daler Domullodzhanov
International Water and Land Specialist,
FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia; 36,
Giprozem, app 90, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

• Background:

OIC Member States face enormous challenges in water-related issues such as: limited water availability, ensuring access to water and sanitation services, balancing water use and food production, access to finance, trans-boundary waters, and climate changes.  The counter this emerging challenge. OIC water vision was adopted in 2012. The OIC Water Vision envisioned exchange and knowledge sharing through peer networks and knowledge hubs as a mean to address the water challenges OIC countries face.

The OIC Water Vision aims to catalyze improved water security in OIC countries through connecting centers of excellence within the OIC in water science, policy, management and technology development; identifying solutions to water problems through increased dialogue and exchange of experience; and promoting solutions to water security challenges in the national and international agendas of OIC leaders.

Following up the OIC water vision, the STI Agenda 2026 and Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted respectively by the First and Second OIC Science and Technology Summits held in Astana in September 2017 and –virtually- in Abu Dhabi 2022, urged building the collective competence and strengthening working linkages between Member States to face water challenges. This international workshop and networking meeting of OIC Centre of Excellence on Water are continuation of OIC commitment to water issue. Main objective of this workshop and networking meeting are as following.

• Main objectives:
• Focus on the emerging challenges for water availability due to climate change and the policies and technologies needed for confronting those challenges.
• To connect Centers of Excellences and institutions within the OIC Member States working on  water-related issues;
• Provide platform for experts to exchange the knowledge, share information, case studies, experiences and best practices;
• Spread knowledge, facilitate dialogue and explore opportunities to conduct joint research to address water related challenges;
• Conduct advocacy and policy dialogue among the Centers of Excellence through synergies and interlinkages.

Scope of the International Workshop and the Networking Meeting of Water Research Institutes in OIC Member States

1. The International Workshop on the “Climate Change and Sustainable Water Resources Management in OIC Member Countries” would Focus on the following three major themes:
2. Theme 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Water Resources Management
3. Integrated water resources management
4. Water-Energy-Food Nexus in a changing climate
5. Climate smart on-farm water management
6. Dryland agriculture: potential and challenges
7. Sustainable Development Goal 6 – where do we stand?

• Theme 2: Role of Better Governance in Water Resources Management
• Emerging water governance challenges
• Transboundary water resources management – challenges and opportunities
• Setting up future priorities for water research, knowledge, and innovation
• Investment and cross-sectoral synergies for better water governance
• Theme 3: Sustainable Use of Non-Conventional Water Resources
• Wastewater – challenges and opportunities
• Wastewater treatment and recycling options
• Desalinized seawater and saline groundwater
• Use agricultural drainage water

• First Meeting of Networking of the Water Research Institutes in OIC Member States. (Postponed)

This part of the activity would concentrate on introducing the activities and foci of interest of the various centres, establishing linkages between them for formal cooperation, exchanges of personnel and data, planning ahead for coordination of national policies, sharing knowledge of best practices and of the emerging challenges to the water resources in the face of climate change.

• Participation and Expected Audience:
• The participants of the Workshop will include besides foreign experts, local water scientists and professionals, climate change experts, academics and students. All are welcome to apply.
• The OIC Networking meeting will be attended by heads of institutions/ experts/scientists of the Water Research Institutions and training centers, and leading scientific organizations of the OIC Member States working on various water-related issues.   (By invitation only)

Flyer: Click Here

Detailed Concept Note can be found at: Click Here

Detailed Technical Program:    ———TBA—————-

To attend the event register at: Click Here

•     For any further queries Contact:
• Ms. Khazima Muazim, Programme Manager, khazima@comstecg.org
• Mr. Muhammad Jamil, Personal Secretary, mjamil@comstech.org
• Tel: (+92 51) 9220681-3

Jointly organized by OIC-COMSTECH and Huawei Technologies

Date: 17-18 December, 2024

Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad.

Mode: Hybrid (onsite and virtual participation)

Registration of International Participants for Physical Participation is Closed

Deadline for Local Participation: 26-November-2024

Flyer: Click Here

Introduction:
In an era of rapid digital transformation, cybersecurity has become a crucial component for the stability and security of nations. With increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, OIC countries face unique challenges in protecting their data, networks, and critical systems from cyber threats. In this context, an international workshop on the “Cybersecurity Landscape in OIC Countries: Issues and Prospects” is being jointly organized by OIC-COMSTECH and Huawei Technologies.

The workshop aims to provide a platform for stakeholders from OIC Member States, including experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, to discuss current cybersecurity challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies for mitigating risks and fostering collaboration. Through expert-led discussions, participants will explore opportunities to build resilient cybersecurity frameworks that adapt to the evolving threat landscape, ultimately strengthening the collective cybersecurity posture of OIC countries and ensuring a safer digital future.

Topics/Areas to be covered:

• Introduction to Cybersecurity: Overview of its importance, scope, market trends, and global significance.
• Cybersecurity Landscape in OIC Member States: Status, challenges, case studies, and collaborative efforts within OIC countries.
• Cyber Threat Landscape and Defense Mechanisms: Emerging threats, defense strategies, and incident response planning.
• Cybersecurity Policies, Regulations, and Infrastructure Protection: Policies, regulatory frameworks, critical infrastructure security, and risk management.
• Cybersecurity in Government, Academia, and Industry: Government initiatives, academic research, industry best practices, and digital transformation.
• Emerging Technologies, Data Privacy, and Workforce Development: Security challenges in new technologies, data privacy practices, and skill development.
• Specialized Cybersecurity Areas and Practical Implementations: Cloud and mobile security, sector-specific strategies, and practical case studies

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This workshop is ideal for cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, academicians, students, and representatives from international organizations.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicant must be relevant to the field of cybersecurity.

Registration Process:

• For physical participation register at the following links: Click Here
• For virtual participation register at the following: Click Here
• Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form.
• Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

Travel & Local Hospitality:

• Funded air travel is available for a limited number of selected international experts and policymakers from the OIC Member States.
• Local hospitality (accommodation, meals, airport pick/drop) will be provided to all selected international participants from the OIC Member States

Venue:

The workshop will be held at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan. The city with the backdrop of Margalla Hills and National Park was purpose-built as the capital of sixth largest globally and second most populous (in OIC) country Pakistan in the year 1966. Pakistan, according to the Forbes magazine, is a hidden treasure for tourists with rich cultural diversity, ancient history, diverse landscape, cuisines, modern cities, and locally produced items.

Workshop organizers:

Prof. Dr. S. Khurshid Hasanain
Advisor, COMSTECH.

Mr. Haris Akram
Program Manager, COMSTECH
Haris@comstech.org

Mr. M. Haseeb Ahmad
Program Officer, COMSTECH
Haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org

COMSTECH the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation)

has organised a webinar on

“A One Health Approach to Zoonotic Outbreaks”

Date: Sep 19^th 2024

Time: 03:00PM Pakistan standard Time

Venue: Online only

Registration Link : Click Here

Flyer: Click Here

Biography of Speaker:

DR. TARIQ MAHMOOD ALI

Dean Social Science / Associate Professor (Health Economics)

HEALTH SERVICES ACADEMY

(Degree Awarding Institute)

Prime Minister Health Complex, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan

Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali is a distinguished academic and public sector professional with over two decades of experience. His career spans various roles in academia and public service, reflecting his dedication to advancing education and health policy in Pakistan. Dr. Ali has taught extensively at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels in some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, including Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Quaid-i-Azam University, COMSATS University, and the Health Services Academy (HSA) in Islamabad.

Currently, Dr. Ali serves as the Dean of Social Sciences at the Health Services Academy, Islamabad, where he has been a pivotal figure since 2020. His academic expertise is broad, encompassing health economics, health financing, social health protection, public policy, and economic development. In addition to his role as Dean, he is also an Associate Professor of Health Economics at HSA, a position he has held since February 2022. Previously, he served as Registrar at HSA and as Assistant Professor of Health Economics.

Dr. Ali has made significant contributions to curriculum development in Pakistan, particularly in health economics. He designed and developed the curriculum for the BS, MS, and PhD programs in Health Economics, which were approved by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and launched for the first time in Pakistan in Fall 2022 at HSA. His work in this area underscores his commitment to fostering advanced education in health economics, preparing future generations to address complex health policy challenges. His research credentials are equally impressive, having secured competitive research grants, including a $3,000 grant from STEPI, Korea in 2017. Dr. Ali has also secured substantial funding for various projects through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) of the Government of Pakistan, amounting to millions of rupees. In the current financial year, he secured the project of one health workforce development (cost of Rs. 230 million) through PSDP, Government of Pakistan. He is currently serving as Project Director for multiple PSDP projects, focusing on health human resources, innovation, and the strengthening of the Health Services Academy.

As a WHO consultant, Dr. Ali played a key role in developing the PC-1 for Viral Hepatitis, a project valued at Rs. 350 million USD, which was subsequently approved by the Planning Commission. His expertise is further recognized in his role as a Social Health Protection Advisor and Research Excellence Expert with the GFA Consultant Group, where he supports government initiatives in social protection and health policies.

Dr. Ali’s academic achievements are equally notable. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, and Economics, an M.Sc. in Economics, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Manchester, UK, and FUUAST, Islamabad. He completed his PhD research with a scholarship from HEC at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MioIR). Dr. Ali has published 21 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at international conferences. Currently, he is supervising 8 PhD scholars and 18 MS students and 30+ students have completed their MS research under his supervision. His name is listed among the “Productive Scientists of Pakistan” by the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST).

Dr. Ali’s extensive experience, academic achievements, and dedication to public service make him a leading figure in the fields of health economics and public policy in Pakistan.

Webinar Background:

The talk comprises of three parts. The first part will introduce the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing zoonotic outbreaks—infectious diseases that spread from animals to humans. The talk outlines how zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, SARS, and COVID-19, can escalate into significant health crises due to increased human-animal interaction. One Health adopts a multidisciplinary strategy involving preparedness, alert, response, and recovery phases to manage these outbreaks. It highlights the economic and health benefits of integrating human and animal health services, as demonstrated in various field applications, like providing joint veterinary and medical services to mobile pastoralists.

 The second part will delve into the human health perspective within the One Health framework for managing zoonotic outbreaks. It begins by defining public health as a discipline focused on preventing disease and promoting well-being across entire populations, highlighting the need for a collaborative, multisectoral approach in outbreak management. The talk then examines the four phases of outbreak response—preparedness, alert, response, and recovery—emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Challenges such as siloed working, conflicting priorities, and communication issues are discussed, underscoring the need for trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

The third part will explore the role of animal health in managing zoonotic outbreaks through the One Health approach. It emphasizes the importance of veterinary services in preventing and controlling diseases transmitted between animals and humans, such as through livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. The talk outlines the veterinary domain, which includes animal health, welfare, food safety, and the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance and global trade. It highlights the need for coordinated action across human, environmental, and animal health sectors, stressing the importance of preparedness, early detection, and effective communication during outbreaks. The talk also discusses the overlap between public and private veterinary services and the necessity of their collaboration.

The talk also addresses challenges in adopting the One Health approach, including sectoral silos and communication issues during outbreaks. Overall, the talk underscores the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral collaboration to prevent and manage zoonotic outbreaks effectively. The talk concludes by acknowledging challenges and advocating for continued coordination and integration across sectors.

Target audience:

Healthcare Professionals, Researchers and Academics, Humanitarian Workers, Policy Makers and Advocates and other interested students.

To register, kindly click here: https://forms.gle/1fnfLxTxowotxm5n6

For more information, please contact:

Program Manager, Ms. Khazima Muazim khazima@comstech.org