Day 1: February 11, 2020
The International Conference on Pharma, Food & Healthcare began with an engaging inaugural session that set the tone for three days of in-depth discussions on critical topics impacting the pharma, food, and healthcare industries in Pakistan.
Inaugural Session
The session started with the recitation from the Holy Quran and a Naat Rasool e Maqbool, followed by the National Anthem. The welcome address was delivered by Lt. Khurram Shahzad, President of the National Alliance for Safe Food, highlighting the significance of the conference in bringing together experts to address the challenges faced by the pharma, food, and healthcare sectors.
Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali, Chairman of the Conference, provided an overview of the conference’s objectives, emphasizing the need for collaboration among industry leaders and regulatory bodies to promote innovation and safety in these vital industries.
Several esteemed guests also shared their perspectives:
- Prof. Dr. Behrooz Kelidari, Vice Chancellor, IUMS, Iran
- Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, Vice Chancellor, University of Health Sciences, Lahore
- Prof. Dr. Tahereh Changiz, Chancellor/President, IUMS, Iran
- Miss Tayeba Zia Cheema, Columnist, New York, USA
- Mr. Umar Tanveer Butt, Chairman, Punjab Food Authority
- Mr. Kamran Abbasi, Managing Director, Prime Events Pvt. Ltd.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food, Pakistan, followed by the official inauguration of the exhibition, poster presentations, and networking opportunities.
Plenary Session: Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
The plenary session on the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) focused on regulatory reforms and the steps taken to enhance the effectiveness of pharmaceutical regulation in Pakistan. The session, chaired by Mr. Hamid Raza (CEO, Neutro Pharma Pvt. Ltd.), featured the following presentations:
- Mr. Sultan Ghani, Advisor to the State Minister of Health, delivered a keynote address on “Regulatory Reforms in DRAP.”
- Dr. Obaidullah, Director at DRAP, discussed the “Adaptation of the Common Technical Document – A Success Story of DRAP.”
- Dr. Zeba Ahmad Shuja, Director Technical at Schazoo Zaka Pvt. Ltd., presented on “Self-Inspection: A Tool for cGMP Compliance.”
- Mr. Syed Khalid Saeed Bukhari, Chief of Party at USP Pakistan, explored the “USP Role in Regulatory Reforms in Pakistan.”
The session ended with remarks by Mr. Asim Rauf, CEO of DRAP, followed by a question-and-answer session and a break.
Technical Session 01: Pakistan Pharma, Food & Healthcare Industry
The first technical session of the day focused on innovations and challenges in the pharma, food, and healthcare sectors. Key presentations included:
- Dr. Taha Nazir, Chairman of Advanced Multiple Incorporation, Canada, who spoke on “The Innovative Molecular, Biochemical, and Microbiological Technologies Used in Food, Health & Research.”
- Dr. Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad discussed “Challenges and Benefits of Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) for Food Industries.”
- Mr. Muzammal Ahmad Muzaffar, from Pak Electron Beam Radiation Pvt. Ltd., presented on the “Scope of E-Beam Irradiation Treatment in Pharma Industry.”
- Dr. M. Ateeq Qureshi, from Sarhad University, Peshawar, covered “Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Oral Cancer.”
Several other experts presented on topics such as nutraceutical foods, dietary patterns, and the oxidative stability of butter oil. The session concluded with a presentation by Mr. Irfan Sohail, from CCL Pharmaceuticals, on the “Export of Healthcare Products: From Commencement to Accomplishment.”
The day ended with a conference dinner, offering delegates and exhibitors a chance to network and exchange ideas.
Day 2: February 12, 2020
Technical Session 02: Public Health Nutrition – Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods
The second day of the conference began with a session on public health nutrition, focusing on the role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in modern healthcare. Presenters included:
- Dr. Rashida Perveen, from Superior University, Lahore, who discussed “Sources and Biological Effects of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Nature.”
- Nimra Nawaz, from the University of Management & Technology, Lahore, presented on “Effect of Fortified Milk Powder (Ensure) on Hematological Parameters of Pregnant Women.”
- Tayyaba Zulfiqar, also from the University of Management & Technology, spoke on the “Association of Breastfeeding Practices with Prevalence of Infection in Children.”
Other topics included the nutraceutical potential of Moringa Olifera, public health nutrition, and the role of fruits and vegetables processing wastes in improving the nutritional quality of baked products.
Technical Session 03: Food & Nutrition – Research & Innovation
This session highlighted research and innovations in food and nutrition, with presentations on a variety of topics:
- Samreen Tanveer, from Superior University, Lahore, presented on the “Investigation of Phytochemical Constituents of Cassia Fistula Linn Fruit Wall and Assessment of Its Hypoglycemic Activity.”
- Ramsha Rafiq, from the University of Management & Technology, discussed the “Processing of Indigenous Olive Leaves for Functional Tea Production and Its Physio-Sensory Evaluation.”
- Muhammad Shahbaz, from MNS-University of Agriculture Multan, presented on the “Chemical Profiling of Mango Seed Oil for Value-Added Food Products.”
The session covered a wide range of innovative research, including plant toxins, vitamin C from citrus juice, and the functional uses of polyphenols.
Technical Session 04: Food, Pharma & Nutrition – Recent Advances & Innovation
The final technical session of the day focused on recent advances in the food, pharma, and nutrition sectors:
- Dr. M. Anees Ur Rehman, from Ruth Pfau College of Nutrition Sciences, presented on the “Growth and Survival of Probiotics in Dairy Products.”
- Shafeeqa Irfan, from the University of Sargodha, discussed “Nanotechnology: A New Frontier in the Food-Pharma Sector.”
- Faheem Mustafa, from the University of Management & Technology, Lahore, presented on “Variations in the Nutritional Status of School-Going Children in Four Rural Districts of Punjab, Pakistan.”
The session also explored topics such as hypercholesterolemia, nutraceutical effects of polyphenols, and the formulation of gluten-free cookies for celiac disease patients.
Day 3: February 13, 2020
Special Session: Emerging Halal Industry – Role of Technical & Islamic Scholars
The third day of the conference began with a special session on the emerging halal industry, chaired by Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali from Punjab University Lahore. The session featured presentations from experts in halal certification and regulation, including:
- Hafiz Shahzaib, from Fahm-ul-Halal & TTI Testing Laboratories, who spoke on the “Pre-Requisites for Growth and Sustainability of the Halal Market.”
- Dr. Muhammad Asim, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Moringa, discussed “Halal Perspectives in Pharmaceutical Drug Substances.”
- Mufti Muaz Ashraf, CEO of the Center for Halal Assurance, delivered a talk on “Sharia Guidelines for Pharmaceuticals.”
The session concluded with remarks from guest speakers and session chairs, followed by a break.
Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony marked the end of the three-day conference. Mr. Kamran Abbasi, from Prime Events, delivered remarks, followed by a conclusion and recommendations by Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali. Guest of honor and chief guest also provided their final reflections on the conference, before Mr. Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food, Pakistan, delivered a vote of thanks to all participants, organizers, and speakers.
The conference successfully concluded with participants leaving with renewed commitments to further research, collaboration, and innovation in the fields of pharma, food, and healthcare.
Conclusion
The International Conference on Pharma, Food & Healthcare provided a critical platform for discussing emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in these essential industries. With a diverse group of experts sharing their insights, the conference facilitated knowledge exchange and fostered collaborations aimed at advancing safety, innovation, and regulatory standards across the pharma, food, and healthcare sectors in Pakistan and beyond.