WNAM REPORT: The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), in collaboration with the Institute of Botany, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, organized the COMSTECH–Azerbaijan International Workshop on Nature-Based Medicinal and Cosmetic Products at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad.
The event gathered eminent scientists, researchers, and young scholars from Pakistan and Azerbaijan to exchange knowledge, explore collaborative research opportunities, and build capacity in the field of medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and natural product sciences.
In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH, underscored the importance of natural medicine, noting that the fusion of traditional knowledge with modern science is opening new frontiers for drug discovery, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. He stressed that the workshop would strengthen research collaboration and deepen historic ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan within the OIC framework.
Addressing the inaugural session, H.E. Mr. Khazar Nadir Farhadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to COMSTECH leadership. He emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are highly developed both bilaterally and through the OIC. The Ambassador highlighted Azerbaijan’s ancient history of natural medicine. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s keen interest in strengthening cooperation with OIC-COMSTECH and Pakistan in natural medicine and related sciences.
Prof. Dr. Sayyara Ibadullayeva, Director General, Institute of Botany, Azerbaijan, also addressed the inaugural session and later delivered presentations on Current Problems and Challenges of Studying Useful Plants of Azerbaijan Flora and Closing Remarks.
The technical sessions featured leading experts from both countries. Prof. Dr. M. Raza Shah, Director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, spoke on the Supramolecular Approach in Drug Delivery System. Prof. Dr. Dilzara Aghayeva, Head of Department, Institute of Botany, Azerbaijan, discussed challenges in the Study of Useful Plants of Azerbaijan Flora, while Prof. Dr. Nigar Mursal, also from the Institute of Botany, gave a talk on Research on Fungi in Azerbaijan. Prof. Dr. Attia-ul-Wahab from ICCBS, University of Karachi, presented on Chemical Diversity and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products.
Further presentations were delivered by Dr. Emil Shukurlu of the Institute of Botany, Azerbaijan, who spoke on Chemical Composition and Medicinal Importance of Lactuca L. Species of Azerbaijan, and Dr. Hilar Mammadov, also from the Institute, who discussed Active Coumarin Compounds of Plant Origin and Their Derivatives. Prof. Dr. Ahsana Dar, Professor at Hamdard University, Karachi, emphasized the Need of Evidence-Based Studies Supporting Traditional System of Medicine, while Prof. Dr. Jamshed Iqbal, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at COMSATS University Islamabad, presented on the Discovery of New Ligands for Ectonucleotidases to Explore Their Potential for Treating Diseases. Dr. Ulkar Mammadova from the Institute of Botany, Azerbaijan, highlighted the Phytochemical Composition of Valeriana L. Species Distributed in Azerbaijan, and Ms. Leyla Akhmedova, also from the Institute, spoke on Useful Plants of Mingachevir Reservoir Areas.
The workshop concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Sayyara Ibadullayeva, and the distribution of certificates.
The participants appreciated COMSTECH and the Institute of Botany, Azerbaijan, for creating opportunities for collaborative research and training. The event reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistan and Azerbaijan to work together in advancing natural product sciences, bioeconomy, and OIC-wide scientific cooperation.
