D-8 Hands-On Training Workshop on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

The workshop was organized by the Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CAS-AFS), UAF the D-8 Research Center for Agriculture and Food Security and the National Center for Genome Editing (NCGE). D-8 Commissioner H.E Ahmed Amjad Ali has said that D-8 countries have a great potential to address common challenges. He addressed inaugural session of D-8 Hands-On Training Workshop on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) at University of Agriculture Faisalabad. D-8 Commissioner H.E Ahmed Amjad Ali said that Allah has granted with fertile land, and crops. We need to do more research to how to gain all these blessings. He said that last year, Azerbaijan became the ninth member of D-8. It is a blend of countries, and I’m sure this organization or this grouping is very important.

Consul General of Türkiye H.E Mehmet Eymen Şimşek, said D-8 is the platform bringing diverse countries, diverse cultures together for address challenges.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali highlighted the transformative role of genomic technologies in modern agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. He said that Next-Generation Sequencing has revolutionized research. He said that agricultural sector must embrace cutting-edge technologies to address emerging challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and declining natural resources. He said that strengthening the capacity of young researchers and scientists in advanced genomic tools would help the country develop resilient crop varieties and enhance agricultural productivity.

Prof. Dr. Sultan Habibullah Khan, Project Director NCGE and ORIC Director, said that the workshop has brought together researchers, faculty members, postgraduate students, and professionals from various institutions to gain practical exposure to Next Generation Sequencing technologies and data analysis techniques. He noted that participants would receive hands-on training on sample preparation, sequencing platforms, bioinformatics applications, and interpretation of genomic data. He added that NGS has become an indispensable tool for crop genomics, trait discovery, genetic diversity analysis, breeding programs, and pest and disease surveillance. The training will help participants enhance their technical expertise and contribute effectively to research and innovation in agriculture and life sciences.

Director CAS, Dr. Zunaira Afzal said that genomic data has evolved beyond a purely research-oriented asset and is now considered a strategic national resource. He said that genomic information plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, strengthening disease preparedness, enhancing biosecurity measures, advancing precision medicine, and protecting indigenous biodiversity.

The D-8 Hands-on Training Workshop on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was successfully conducted at the Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CAS-AFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, from 08-12 June 2026. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex (PCSIR-LLC), Lahore, under the supervision of Dr. Quratulain Syed, Director General PCSIR Lahore, and Prof. Dr. Sultan Habibullah Khan, Project Manager, GenEd.

The event brought together researchers, scientists, academics, and biotechnology professionals from D-8 member countries, along with leading Pakistani universities and research organizations, to strengthen regional capacity in modern genomic technologies and sequencing applications. The event emphasized practical exposure to sequencing workflows, quality control procedures, data generation, and the application of NGS in agriculture, biological sciences, and genomics research.

Objectives of the Workshop

Provide hands-on training in conventional and advanced sequencing technologies.
To expose participants to the diverse applications of NGS in agriculture, food security, human health sciences, microbial genomics, and industrial biotechnology.
Build technical capacity in Next Generation Sequencing technologies.
Provide hands-on experience in Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) based sequencing workflows.
Equip participants to sample and library preparations, sequencing operation and data analysis.
To foster scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing among D-8 member countries.
Strengthening networking and encourage development of national consortium for genomic innovation in Pakistan.