KARACHI: The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association for Biorisk Management, Pakistan (ABM) to strengthen biosafety, biosecurity and cyberbiosecurity practices in relevant laboratories.
The agreement is aimed at implementing the Pakistan Biorisk Management Program (PBMP) through coordinated efforts among stakeholders and enhancing measures to control zoonotic pathogens at relevant ICCBS laboratories.
Prof. Dr. M. Raza Shah, Director ICCBS, University of Karachi, and Dr. Asghar Ali, Executive Director ABM, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions during a ceremony held at ICCBS. Officials from both organizations were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. M. Raza Shah welcomed the ABM delegation and briefed participants about ICCBS and its constituent centers, highlighting the institution’s national and international recognition.
He said ICCBS remained committed to serving society through translational research and stressed that achieving meaningful outcomes required strong partnerships between leading medical institutions and research centers.
Dr. Asghar Ali said ABM was implementing the Pakistan Biorisk Management Program to institutionalize biorisk management practices in priority laboratories across the country.
He said the program seeks to control zoonotic pathogens by introducing and strengthening biosafety, biosecurity and cyberbiosecurity measures in existing laboratories.
Under the program, ABM collaborates with government laboratories at livestock hospitals as well as research centers and universities handling pathogens, he added.
The MoU is expected to enhance institutional cooperation and contribute to safer laboratory practices and improved management of biological risks.
