Climate change and disappearing glaciers pose challenges for vulnerable communities in northern Pakistan. One potential problem is viral infections that can affect local people, animals and plants. Another important factor is the region that connects the high mountains (Karakoram, Hindukash and Himalayas) that connect China, Pakistan, Nepal, India and Central Asia. This unique feature makes this area very important for community response and preparedness for potential threats from emerging viruses. To address this issue, the ANSO-PAS workshop was organized by the Association of International Scientific Organizations (ANSO) and Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) under the theme “Emerging Viral Infections: Baltistan Skardu, Baltistan Department of Health Services, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology and Pakistan Biosafety Association. The workshop was held at Baltistan University Skardu. With 110 participants, this workshop addressed the complex molecular aspects of emerging viral infections and explained key concepts in the field. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari (Prof. Emeritus, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad) introduced the mission and mandate of ANSO to the seminar participants.
Dr. Ashraf Hussain, Director, Baltistan Health Services, graced the occasion and highlighted the critical challenges and nuances in preventing the current virus outbreak. In addition, the state of healthcare services in Baltistan is described, efforts and initiatives implemented to meet the healthcare needs of the region and ensure equitable access to medical facilities for all citizens are described. Dr. Saaed Khan, President of Pakistan Biosafety Association (PBSA), provided insight into the challenges of HIV treatment and highlighted important aspects related to public health and safety.
ANSO Collaborative Project Principal Investigator, Dr. Muhammad Ali, gave a brief presentation on Molecular Detection and Characterization of Bacterial Viruses from Pakistan, “Detection and Early Response of Emerging Viruses: A Scenario-Based Study.” He said early detection and intervention strategies are essential in combating emerging viruses. Through scenario-based learning, he emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration between the scientific community to effectively fight future pandemics and protect global health security.
The workshop provided participants with a hands-on experience with a focus on practical lessons aimed at solving viral infections from a molecular perspective. Speakers and trainers included Professor Zhengli Shi (Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Dr Ishtiaq Hussain (Assistant Professor, Skardu University), Dr Ikram Ullah (Assistant Professor, Hazara University, Mansehra), Dr Ali Talha Khalil ( Dr Assistant Professor, Biology Molecular, Peshawar Women’s Hospital, Dr Kandel Zahra Zameer (Scientist (GBEPA), Dr Javed Muhammad (Haripur University) Secretary General (Pakistan Biosafety Association), Dr Sidra Rehman (Superintendent, Department of Biotechnology, Quid-i-Azam University Islamabad), Mr. Amjad Khan (Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad) When viral infections emerge, molecular insights are an invaluable tool for proactive detection, rapid intervention and effective management harnessing the power of molecular methods to protect health foster collaboration and equip participants with the knowledge needed to effectively manage and reduce the public health impact of these infections.
