Renowned Nuclear Scientist, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan has said that it is highly important for the scientists to be proficient in using their laboratory equipment when young scientists go abroad, they are not provided with assistants or helpers, they have to work and run their equipment. He sadi that while addressing the concluding ceremony of the workshop on “Safety and Precautionary Tips in Laboratory and the Oral presentation Competition” organised by Dr. AQ Khan institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), Karachi University.
He further said that there is dire need for our young scientists to be a proficient in running and using their lab equipment rather depending on their assistants or workers. Once they learn how to use every lab equipment, their scientific career is likely to progress smoothly.
He said that safety should be the highest priority of those who worked in laboratories. Safety precautions taken in the laboratory could actually save lives, he said, adding that they could pave the way for a safer society.
Later on, Karachi University also arranged a surprise birthday celebration for the renowned nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. During the celebration, he along with KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Ajmal and KIBGE Director-General, Prof. Abid Azhar cut the cake.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ajmal Khan congratulated Dr. A. Q. Khan on his birthday and termed him the greatest asset of Pakistan. Speaking on the topic of the workshop and its aims and objectives, he highlighted the fact that lab safety is the priority number one for lab workers and others associated with it. Safety precautions taken in the laboratory could actually save someone’s life. It really can pave the way for a safer society saving many lives. When lab safety procedures aren’t followed, people can get hurt or worse. Lab equipment and chemicals that are improperly handled can result in personal injury and even death. Chemical spills, toxic fumes, needle pricks, and fires can harm lab workers, while errors in how medications are handled and distributed can harm patients. There is a dire need to create awareness regarding proper and safe use of laboratory equipment among lab workers and assistants since it not only affects the worker but the people attached to them.
Prof. Abid Azhar, KIBGE’s Director General also congratulated Dr. A. Q. Khan on his birthday on this birthday and prayed for his long life. He called for raising awareness, promoting high standards in safe operation of biological and chemical facilities in academic, research and medical institutions to respond to most challenging biological and chemical risks in laboratories. He further said that scientific development is the key for progress and prosperity of the country, we are proud that our students due to their academic and research credentials, become prominent everywhere they go, we organise such workshops to make our students proficient in each and every aspect.
