Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tanwir Khaliq, the 2nd International Symposium on Genetic Diseases was successfully held at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) in Islamabad on 30th June 2026. The event brought together eminent scientists, clinicians, molecular biologists, geneticists, researchers, academicians, postgraduate scholars, and students from various institutions to discuss recent developments in genetic disease research, diagnosis, counselling, and clinical applications. The symposium highlighted the growing importance of molecular genetics, molecular biology, genomic medicine, next-generation sequencing, molecular diagnostics, genetic counselling, precision medicine, and translational research in addressing rare and inherited genetic disorders.

Prof. Dr. Tanwir Khaliq, Vice Chancellor of SZABMU, graced the event as Guest of Honor. In his remarks, he appreciated the efforts of Institute of Molecular Biology & Human Genetics (IMBHG) and ORIC-SZABMU in organizing the symposium and highlighted the university's commitment to scientific advancement and patient-centered healthcare. The symposium was honored by the presence of Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig as Chief Guest. Prof. Dr. Baig is a distinguished scientist who has held key leadership positions, including Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation, and has served as Professor at Aga Khan University and NIBGE. His address emphasized the importance of strengthening research infrastructure, promoting innovation, and advancing genetic sciences in Pakistan. 

The scientific sessions featured invited talks by distinguished national and international experts. Dr. Atteeq U. Rehman, PhD, FACMG, Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, who serves as Director of Molecular Diagnostics at the New York Genome Center in New York City, delivered an insightful talk on the role of genetic testing and molecular diagnostics in reshaping modern healthcare. Dr. Ghazala Rubi, a UK-trained researcher and molecular genetics pathologist, shared her expertise in molecular diagnostics, genomic medicine, cancer genetics, clinical research, and the establishment of molecular pathology services in Pakistan. Dr. Muhammad Asad Usmani, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, discussed emerging scientific approaches relevant to diagnostic innovation and translational research. The scientific sessions provided valuable insights into the diagnosis, management, and future directions of genetic diseases, with particular emphasis on rare genetic disorders, inherited conditions, molecular pathology, clinical genetics, and precision medicine.

The event received remarkable participation in the Poster Competition from 20 National and International universities including Avicenna Tajik State Medical University Tajikistan, COMSATS University Islamabad, Quaid-i-Azam University, International Islamic University, National University of Medical Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Bahria University, Capital University of Science and Technology, Shifa Tameer-e-Milat University, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Qarshi University, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, University of Haripur, Hazara University Mansehra, University of Health Sciences, Virtual University of Pakistan, and Islamia University Bahawalpur. This broad academic representation reflected the growing interest in molecular genetics, molecular biology, clinical genomics, and rare disease research across the country and beyond.

The event was organized by Dr. Mohsin Shahzad, Chairman of IMB&HG, with the faculty members including Dr. Tanveer A. Qaiser, Dr. Syeda Kiran Riaz. and Dr. Bushra Gul who played instrumental roles in organizing the event in collaboration with team of ORIC, SZABMU.

The 2nd International Symposium on Genetic Diseases served as an important platform for scientific exchange, institutional collaboration, and awareness regarding rare and inherited genetic disorders. The event reinforced SZABMU's vision of promoting research, education, and patient-centered healthcare in Pakistan.