NEWSLETTER
PASTIC
01
Webinar on “Foundations of AI:
Unlocking the Power of Data, Algorithms,
and Discovery”
A webinar titled “Foundations of AI: Unlocking the Power
of Data, Algorithms, and Discovery” was successfully
conducted on April 29, 2026 through Zoom. The webinar
brought together 36 participants from various universities
and higher education institutions across Pakistan, including
faculty members, researchers, students, and professionals
interested in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial
Intelligence (AI).
The session was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Usman, who
provided a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental
concepts of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data-
driven decision making, and emerging AI technologies.
Participants were introduced to the role of data, algorithms,
and computational models in solving real-world challenges
across different sectors. During the webinar, several
practical applications of AI were highlighted, including:
Social Media Sentiment Analysis, AI in Agriculture, Data
Analytics and Machine Learning Applications.
The webinar concluded with a question-and-answer
session, where participants discussed future opportunities
for AI research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and
capacity-building initiatives in Pakistan. The event success-
fully enhanced participants' understanding of AI fundamen-
tals and showcased the transformative potential of artificial
intelligence in research, education, and sustainable develop-
ment.
Participants engaged during the webinar on Foundations of
AI
View of the participants of seminar at PRIMS, Karachi
Volume 9, Issue 4
April 2026
Seminar on “Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles
Using Plant”
PASTIC Sub-Centre Karachi in collaboration with Pakistan
Group of Colleges organized a seminar titled “Green
Synthesis of Nanoparticles Using Plant Extract (Eco-
Friendly Approach)” on April 18, 2026 at PRIMS, Karachi.
The seminar highlighted the importance of eco-friendly
scientific innovations and sustainable research practices.
The session was attended by more than 20 participants, who
actively engaged in discussions and hands-on exploration of
green synthesis techniques using plant extracts.
The session was conducted by Dr. Muhammad Israr, who
delivered an insightful and practical lecture, while Prof.
Sadia Khalil participated as Guest Speaker, sharing her
valuable research expertise. Participants gained hands-on
experience and practical insights into eco-friendly
nanoparticle synthesis, the role of plant extracts, and
modern laboratory techniques, making the session highly
interactive and informative. A representative from PASTIC
Sub-Centre Karachi actively engaged with participants and
briefed them about PASTIC's services.
In the concluding session, Dr. Saba Memon, Director of
Pakistan, Group of Colleges, appreciated the collaboration
with PASTIC Sub-Centre Karachi and distributed shields
to the resource person and organizers.
Webinar on “Research Supported AI Tools”
PASTIC Sub-Centre Karachi organized a webinar titled
“Research Supported AI Tools” on April 23, 2026 via Zoom
at PASTIC Sub-Centre Karachi. The webinar was attended
NEWSLETTER
PASTIC
02
by around 100 students, researchers, academicians, and
professionals from various institutions across the country.
The aim of the webinar was to introduce participants to
advanced AI tools that support research work, enhance
academic productivity, and improve data analysis and
writing skills.
Ms. Afsheen Tariq, Assistant Director, PASTIC Sub-Centre
Karachi, highlighted the significant role of PASTIC in
promoting scientific research, innovation, and access to
authentic scientific information resources through its
databases, training programs, and collaborative initiatives.
The resource person for the session, Dr. Maryam Ibrar,
Additional Director, PASTIC National Centre Islamabad,
delivered an insightful and comprehensive presentation on
the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research.
She elaborated on various AI-powered tools that enhance
research productivity, data analysis, academic writing, and
overall efficiency in scholarly work.
Participants engaged during the webinar on Plagiarism and
Research Integrity
A session snapshot from the webinar on Research-Supported
AI Tools
Ms. Afsheen Tariq, Assistant Director, PASTIC Sub-Centre
Karachi, welcomed the participants and highlighted the
importance of ethical research culture. She emphasized
PASTIC's role in providing access to scientific information
resources and capacity-building opportunities, and encour-
aged participants to register on the newly launched research
database portal for digital research tools, training, and
academic activities.
The resource person for the session was Dr. Samiyah
Tasleem, CEO and founder of the Pakistan Education
Health and Technology Innovation Consultant Group. She
delivered a comprehensive and engaging presentation
focusing on plagiarism, ethical writing practices, proper
citation and referencing methods, and the core principles of
research integrity. Dr. Samiyah also introduced practical
tools and strategies to assist researchers in maintaining
originality and avoiding academic misconduct.
April 2026
The webinar proved to be highly beneficial in equipping
attendees with knowledge of emerging AI technologies and
their role in modern research practices.
Webinar on Hands-on Plagiarism and Research Integrity”
PASTIC Sub-Centre Karachi organized a webinar titled
“Hands-on Plagiarism and Research Integrity” on April 30,
2026. The session attracted more than 70 participants,
including researchers, academicians, professionals, and
students from various universities and research institutions
across Pakistan. The objective of the webinar was to
promote ethical research practices, strengthen
academic integrity, and enhance awareness
regarding plagiarism prevention in scholarly writing.
View of the presentation by resource person Dr. Samiyah
Tasleem
Volume 9, Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
PASTIC
03
The Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Dir (U),
KP in collaboration with PASTIC and HEC
st
will host the two-days 1 International
April 2026
Webinars on ''Learn Smart Reference Management'’
PASTIC, PSF, in collaboration with the Offices of Research,
Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs) of the Islamia
University of Bahawalpur (IUB) and Women University
Multan (WUM), organized two webinars on “Learn Smart
Reference Management” on April 9 and April 23, 2026,
respectively. The sessions were attended by around 190
participants, including faculty members, researchers and
students from both universities.
Mr. Muhammad Hasnain, Additional Director, PASTIC,
briefly introduced PASTIC's services, highlighting its role
in promoting scientific knowledge, research support,
literature access and digital information resources. Dr.
Maryam Ibrar, Additional Director (STI/Publication),
PASTIC Islamabad, served as the resource person and
delivered practical sessions on effective literature searching
and reference management using Mendeley and PASTIC
resources. She demonstrated how Mendeley supports
researchers in organizing literature, storing and annotating
references, generating citations and bibliographies, and
streamlining the research writing process.
The webinars contributed to strengthening participants'
skills in literature management, citation handling and
effective use of national research support services offered by
PASTIC.
Screenshot during the webinar on Reference Management
(WUM)
Abstract Book of the First International Conference
on RAZECC-2026
Abstract Book of RAZECC-2026 published and printed by
PASTIC (cover page).
Event/ Webinar /Meeting Attended
A. Dr. Ghazala Ali Khan, Additional Director, PASTIC,
rd
attended the inaugural session of the 3 International
Conference on “Multidisciplinary Research in Basic
Sciences and Technology” as Guest of Honour on behalf of
the Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF). The
conference was organized by ORIC, Islamia College
Peshawar, with the financial support of PSF, Islamabad.
B. Dr. Ghazala Ali Khan (Additional Director, PASTIC-PSF
Regional Office Peshawar), was honored to participate as a
speaker at a TEDx event organized by the Youth Develop-
ment Centre, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar.
Volume 9, Issue 4
Conference on “Recent Advances in Zoology in the Era of
Climate Change (RAZECC-2026)” May 04-05, 2026.
PASTIC collaborated by printing and publishing 200 copies
of the abstract book for the conference, ensuring that the
research contributions and scholarly insights were widely
rd
Dignitaries at the 3 ICMRBST
NEWSLETTER
PASTIC
April 2026
E. Ms. Afsheen Tariq, Assistant Director (STI) at PASTIC
Sub-Centre Karachi, attended an online training session
titled “IEEE Learning & Research for Pakistan Students &
Researchers: An Overview of IEEE Xplore Digital Library”
on April 15, 2026, via Zoom.
F. Ms. Afsheen Tariq, Assistant Director (STI), Sub-Centre
Karachi, attended the online Earth Day Policy Dialogue on
April 22, 2026, organized to mark Earth Day.
G. A compliance Zoom meeting was convened by Prof. Dr.
Muhammad Akram Shaikh, DG PASTIC, on April 20, 2026
at the PASTIC National Centre, Islamabad. The meeting
focused on reviewing and improving the web content of the
Technology Information Services (TIS) section. All
Sectional Heads of PASTIC, along with In-charges of
PASTIC Sub-Centres, participated in the meeting.
H. Mr. Abdul Khalique Sial, Assistant Director, PSC Quetta,
met with Mr. Syed Shafi Hasni, Controller of Examinations
and Director, Department of Biochemistry, University of
Balochistan, Quetta, on April 23, 2026, and briefed him on
PASTIC/PSF services.
Group photo of the seminar participants at The University of
Haripur
Volume 9, Issue 4
C. Dr. Ghazala Ali Khan, Additional Director, PASTIC-PSF
Peshawar, delivered a keynote seminar at the University of
Haripur on April 28, 2026, on creating inclusive campuses
for female students in STEAM, organized by ORIC-UoH.
D. Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Zafar, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and
Dr. Abid Raza visited PASTIC Sub-Centre Karachi on April
2, 2026, where Ms. Afsheen Tariq, Assistant Director (STI),
briefed them on PASTIC services and discussed opportuni-
ties for future collaboration.
Muzaffarabad Sub-Center
AJK University, New Campus, Challabandi, Muzaffarabad
pastic.2011@gmail.com
Tel: 05822 960414
Quetta Sub-Center
Art Campus, University of Balochistan, Quetta.
pastic.qta@gmail.com
Tel: 03337823390
Peshawar Sub-Center
Pakistan Forest Institute,University Campus, Peshawar
pasticpsh@yahoo.com
Tel: 091-9216880
Lahore Sub-Center
PCSIR Lab. Complex, Ferozepur Road, Lahore
pasticlhr@gmail.com
Tel: 042-99230732
Faisalabad Sub-Center
Faisalabad Science Centre, Jail Road
pasticf@yahoo.com
Tel: 041-9200608-9
Karachi Sub-Center
A-43, block No. 3, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi
karachipastic@gmail.com
Tel: 021-99334174/021-34994173
Pakistan Scientif ic & Technological
Information Centre
PASTIC National Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University Campus, Islamabad,
Tel: 051-9248103, 051-9248109, Fax: 9248113
URL:
Email:
04