KMU Hosts Inauguration of Pak-UK Oral Cancer Research Consortium and Closing Ceremony of ICRG-46 Project

Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, held a landmark event featuring the official launch of the Pak-UK Oral Cancer Research Consortium (POCRC) and the closing ceremony of the Innovative Collaborative Research Grant (ICRG-46) project. The event, held at the prestigious Alexander Fleming Hall, marked a significant milestone in Pakistan's oral cancer research landscape.

The ICRG-46 research initiative was a collaborative effort supported by the British Council and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, bringing together distinguished experts, researchers, oncologists, surgeons, academicians, and policymakers from across Pakistan and abroad. The objective of the event was to promote collaborative research, share outcomes, and discuss the future direction of oral cancer research in the country.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Benish Aleem, Head of the Oral Pathology Department, KMU-IPDM. She outlined the project's journey, challenges, achievements, and the future vision of the consortium, while also expressing gratitude to all national and international partners who contributed to the success of the project.

Prof. Dr. Muslim Khan, Head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Khyber College of Dentistry (KCD), Peshawar, delivered the keynote address on “The Current State of Oral Cancer Research in Pakistan”. He highlighted research trends, existing gaps, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, from the Department of Histopathology, KMU, and Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, presented key findings from the ICRG-46 project, emphasizing results that could significantly inform future clinical protocols and national oral cancer screening guidelines.

A dynamic panel discussion on “The Future of Oral Cancer Research and Clinical Collaboration” included notable participants such as Dr. Irfan Shah (Principal, Hi-Tech Dental College, Taxila), Prof. Dr. Akif Ullah Khan (Director, IRNUM, Peshawar), Dr. Ali Talha, Dr. Irfan, Dr. Salman, and Dr. Najeeb. The panel stressed the importance of early diagnosis, biomarker research, establishment of a national cancer registry, and evidence-based policy advocacy.

A major highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the Pak-UK Oral Cancer Research Consortium (POCRC) by Prof. Dr. Samrina Muhammad, Head of Oral Pathology at KCD, Peshawar. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and appreciation from the attendees.

Dr. Syed Nasir Shah, Regional Director General of HEC, and Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, Vice Chancellor of KMU, addressed the audience as guests of honor. Both praised the initiative and reiterated their institutions’ commitment to supporting cancer research. Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq stated that the successful completion of the ICRG-46 project and the establishment of POCRC would not only boost research in the field of oral cancer but also aid in understanding, preventing, and treating this life-threatening disease. 

Prof. Zia further identified brain drain of young researchers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a major challenge and urged relevant institutions to take necessary measures to address this concern. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and appreciation shields among the project collaborators and contributors in recognition of their outstanding dedication and efforts.