Prof Dr. Abdullah Arijo

Science is the most reliable path for human progress, offering evidence-based solutions to the challenges of health, environment, and society. When we cling to superstition or blind ritual, we risk ignoring the very tools that can improve our lives. By trusting in scientific inquiry, we embrace the qualities of curiosity, reason, and innovation that uplift communities and solve real problems. Science does not diminish spirituality; rather, it reminds us that the Creator endowed us with intellect to explore and understand the universe. Saying goodbye to superstition and welcoming science is not just a choice; it is a responsibility toward truth, dignity, and the betterment of humanity.

Science is no longer just about exploring outer space; it’s also about discovering the hidden universe inside our bodies. One of the most exciting breakthroughs is the engineering of gut bacteria. These tiny organisms live in our intestines, but they play a huge role in our health. They affect everything from immunity to mental well-being, and now scientists are learning how to reprogram them to fight disease. For countries like Pakistan, this could be life-changing.

READ: THE STATE OF BIOTECH INDUSTRY IN PAKISTAN

Synthetic biology allows researchers to design bacteria that can detect problems and even treat illnesses. For example:

• Special strains of E. coli have been created to release anti-inflammatory molecules in the gut, helping patients with Crohn’s disease or colitis.
• Other engineered microbes can break down harmful compounds, lower cholesterol, or produce essential vitamins.

Unlike regular medicines that spread through the whole body, these “living medicines” work directly in the gut. This means fewer side effects and better results. Clinical trials in the US and Europe are already showing promise, hinting that this future is nearer than we think.

Why Pakistan Must Not Ignore This

Pakistan struggles with two kinds of health problems:

• Infectious diseases are caused by poor sanitation, unsafe water, and antibiotic misuse.
• Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and inflammation, worsened by processed diets.

Gut health is connected to both. Engineered bacteria could be a low-cost solution, imagine probiotics designed for Pakistanis that boost immunity against waterborne diseases or reduce the effects of sugary diets. This could ease the burden on our already stretched healthcare system.

But here’s the challenge: Pakistan’s research and regulatory systems are not ready. Biotechnology is underfunded, and ethical rules for genetic engineering are still developing. Without investment, Pakistan risks falling behind while other nations move ahead.

The Global Race

Around the world, biotech companies are racing to develop “smart bacteria” that can sense disease and release treatments. Governments and investors are pouring money into this field.

For Pakistan, this is both a warning and an opportunity. If we don’t act, we’ll depend on costly imports. But if we invest in local expertise, Pakistan could become a regional leader in microbiome-based therapies. With our large population and diverse genetics, we’re in a unique position to test and develop innovations that could later be exported.

Challenges to Overcome

Of course, there are hurdles:

• Safety: Engineered bacteria must be tested carefully to avoid risks.
• Regulation: Governments worldwide are still figuring out how to monitor these therapies.
• Public trust: Many people are already skeptical about genetically modified crops. Convincing them to accept engineered microbes will require clear communication.

Pakistan must therefore invest in both science and public education. Universities should expand synthetic biology programs, and the media must help explain the benefits in simple terms. International collaborations can help, but local ownership is key.

A Call to Action

This is a moment of choice. Countries that prepare for the future of medicine will benefit; those that hesitate will fall behind. Pakistan has talented young scientists, but they need support and funding.

The government should:

• Build research centers for microbiome science.
• Encourage biotech startups.
• Integrate synthetic biology into national health strategies.
• Partner with agricultural universities to connect microbial research in crops and human health.

Above all, Pakistan must realize that health innovation is not optional, it’s essential.

Engineered gut bacteria may sound futuristic, but they are already moving from labs to hospitals. For Pakistan, the decision is clear: embrace this revolution and adapt it to local needs, or remain dependent on foreign technologies. These invisible microbes hold enormous potential. If used wisely, they could transform healthcare, reduce disease, and bring hope to millions. The time to act is now.

Read: Nourishing the Body Organ by Organ

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Abdullah Arijo is a professor and curriculum architect at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, specializing in Parasitology, fisheries, aquaculture, zoology, and environmental sciences. He is also a civic advocate for climate resilience and sustainable development.

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Muneer Ahmed Mirjat

The higher education sector in Pakistan faces multiple challenges, including inadequate funding for research in emerging and leading areas as well as a lack of scholarships for developing human resources in these fields.

There is also a pressing need to upgrade laboratories, equipment and materials for conducting scientific experiments.

Administrative or bureaucratic hurdles within universities further obstruct the execution of research projects and other academic processes.

Among the most detrimental of these are the “pen-killer practices”—practices that stifle academic growth, discourage research and hinder the development of quality graduates.

These practices create an environment where faculty and students struggle to achieve their objectives and fail to realize their full potential.

Addressing these hurdles is crucial, as they undermine Pakistan’s socioeconomic progress and its global academic standing.

The foremost “Pen-Killer” practice today is the shortage of funds.

Public sector universities require substantial support from federal and provincial governments to fulfill their institutional objectives outlined in the University Act or Charter.

The lack of funding is transforming higher education institutions into degree-awarding colleges, focusing primarily on teaching and learning, which only covers the theoretical aspect of qualifications.

Graduates produced through this system lack applied skills and remain uncertain about the practical use of their knowledge.

Research generates new insights based on core knowledge and the latest trends, addressing national and international issues to develop appropriate actions or policies.

A sustainable funding model, lasting at least ten years with specific targets and annual reviews for each university, is crucial.

This approach will guide universities in the right direction and establish a merit-based system.

Due to insufficient funding over the past 5-6 years, highly skilled faculty are leaving for jobs in the Gulf and other countries.

In this regard, like consumer financing is promoted by the various banks, similar funding schemes can be developed with different options in terms of interest for institutions and individuals.

It will compel them to work on those themes that are practical and can be translated into commercial products or services.

The industries, companies, and other business organizations in the locality of the universities be advised to contribute some portion of their corporate social responsibility to it, and in turn, universities will offer their research and development infrastructure and expertise for their research.

It is also observed that multiple organizations are offering research funding as per their federal or provincial authority.

Many universities submit the same project to federal as well as to provincial institutions and get it approved.

Only one lab is established and progress is shown to both entities at different times by meeting their requirements.

This scenario requires a single portal for all such grants which will not only detect duplication but also will stop duplication of the same project in different universities.

To address this, all higher education-related funding opportunities be shared with the academic & research committee at the Higher Education Commission with their institutional representative.

A regular bi-annual or quarterly meeting of such committee be held to review applications and measure the progress.

Much of the progress can be monitored through the use of automation.

Another major pen-killer practice is restricting universities from collaborating with different organizations for academic, research or co-curricular activities.

The overregulation stops them from sharing knowledge and experience with peers in the country and outside.

The studies show that diversity always helps in generating new ideas and helps in sharing good practices.

A faculty member who has a regular teaching load as well as he is expected to carry out collaboration is demotivated when an enabling environment is not provided.

He has to manage all necessary institutional as well as government approvals required for the collaborative activity, event, etc.

There is a need to have a facilitating section in the Universities and a help desk that may carry out necessary approvals.

The unjustified workload distribution is also a major pen-killer practice that needs to be addressed.

The balance in the teaching, administration, and research activities for the faculty members will help them to become more productive.

The balance will motivate them to generate a positive momentum in the Universities and as a result, it will help them to excel in their domain for achieving institutional objectives.

Similarly, the incentives for best faculty performers can help to motivate them to carry out academic and research activities with more interest.

It is a time to provide more funding to the Universities which are breeding places for knowledge and wisdom.

These are like an intellectual border where youth arrive for learning and most of the non-state actors want to cross and exploit them.

It is time to engage our youth in learning and research activities for socioeconomic development.

Read: Merit or My Writ in Higher Education Institutions

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The writer is Director, Higher Education Commission Islamabad. Email: muneermirjat@gmail.com

The article was first published by Pakistan Observer Islamabad

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