The Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), in partnership with S. Halai Enterprises, proudly organized a highly impactful one-day conference titled “Safety, Health & Environment: Uniting for a Safer Tomorrow.” The event served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, academic experts, and public sector representatives to engage in meaningful discussions on pressing issues and innovative solutions for enhancing public and workplace safety.

The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor of QAU, who underscored the critical importance of the conference theme and lauded the organizers for their commendable efforts. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Director of ORIC, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, panelists, and participants, emphasizing the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to tackle the challenges of safety and sustainability effectively.

The event featured an enlightening keynote address on Waste to Wealth, by Prof. Dr. Yasir Nawab, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kamalia, followed by three thought-provoking panel discussions:

1. Industry & Health Safety & Environment: Beyond the Buzzwords– Moderated by Mr. Shabbir Halai, CEO of S. Halai Enterprises, with panelists including Mr. Salman Tariq (Jazz), Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar (Rastgar Engineering), Mr. Qaiser Mahmood (Mari Energies), and Mr. Jamshaid Babar (Cherat Cement).
2. Collaboration for Scalable Sustainability Solutions– Moderated by Ms. Hina Nasir, Sustainability Expert, with panelists including Mr. Salar Malik (FFC), Mr. Fawad Farukh (PTCL), Dr. Fuad Imran Khan (Concave Agri), Senator Sughra Imam, and Mr. Naeem Subhani (SafeTConsult).
3. Government: As a Supporter and Partner – Joining Industry, Academia, and Public Sector for Safety– Featuring panelists such as Mr. Mohammed Arshad Qaim Khani (Sehat Sahulat Program), Dr. Yasir Nawab (Kamalia University), Dr. Omer Masood Qureshi (ADCR), and Dr. Faisal Mehmood (Rescue 1122).

The conference concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Shabbir Halai, who expressed his gratitude to the speakers, panelists, and participants for their invaluable contributions. Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Irfan Zia, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Director of ORIC, distributed souvenirs and shields to honor the participants.

The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with a large number of representatives from industry, academia, government, the private sector, faculty, and students in attendance. It successfully highlighted the imperative of uniting industry, academia, and the public sector to forge a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.