Chinese Genomics Leader BGI to Train Young Pakistani Scientists

Tamseela Akhtar

Jun 24, 2025 — 1 min read

The Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), the world’s premier genomics research centre, is set to partner with Pakistan to train emerging scientists and elevate health technology capabilities. The announcement followed a visit by Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), to BGI’s headquarters in Shenzhen.

Cooperation in Biotechnology and Health Innovation

During discussions led by Mao Zhixia, BGI’s senior official for South Asia, BGI outlined its global innovations in gene sequencing, diagnostics, precision medicine, and pandemic preparedness. The organisation intends to formalise training initiatives for young researchers from Pakistan and other BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) member nations.

Nawab affirmed BRISD’s dedication to inclusive development, stating that empowering researchers in the Global South is a top priority. Both sides expressed support for strengthening health systems in developing regions through high-impact technological collaboration.

Pakistan’s Virtual Blood Bank Centre Spotlight

Nawab also highlighted Pakistan’s groundbreaking Virtual Blood Bank Centre in Punjab, which enables real-time connection between emergency patients and registered donors via Emergency Helpline 15 (option 4). He noted that the centre has already registered about 30,000 donors.

He encouraged youth engagement, asserting: “every drop of blood can be a lifeline in emergencies.” Nawab further commented: “BGI is a shining example of what innovation and commitment to science can achieve.”

Next Steps

BGI and BRISD plan to finalise a detailed framework for training programmes, encompassing hands-on workshops, technology transfer, and joint research projects. This partnership aims to bolster health infrastructure and scientific capacity across the region.

Inquiry Ordered into Deaths of 20 Children at DHQ Hospital Pakpattan

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the *deaths of 20 children* at the *District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Pakpattan*, following allegations of negligence and critical oxygen shortages in the facility’s children’s ward. Committee Formed to Investigate Incident On Monday, the *Commissioner of Sahiwal* ordered an inquiry into the

Fuel Prices Likely to Rise by Rs5 Per Liter from July 1

Petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan are expected to increase by up to Rs5 per liter starting July 1, according to official sources familiar with the matter. The anticipated price hike comes as part of a broader fiscal adjustment, which includes the implementation of a new carbon levy and the

PPP Not Currently Considering Federal Cabinet Role: Sharjeel Memon

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon clarified on Monday that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is not presently evaluating any proposal to join the federal government. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Memon stated that no official offer had been extended by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding PPP’

Pakistan Urges India to Reevaluate Hostile Policies, Reaffirms Support for Peace and Sovereignty

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on India to review its “hostile and misguided” approach toward Pakistan, asserting that unilateral actions and aggression will not be accepted by Islamabad. Speaking at the 52nd Foundation Day of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Dar emphasized Pakistan’