Our Team

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Safwan Akram is an internationally experienced biotechnology scientist specialising in biomanufacturing, engineering biology, low-cost diagnostics, biosensors, protein engineering and healthcare innovation. He earned his PhD in Analytical Biotechnology from the University of Cambridge and completed postdoctoral research there on affordable diagnostic technologies. His work connects advanced scientific research with industrial development and commercial biotechnology applications.

Dr. Gibran Ali is a molecular biologist and regenerative-biology researcher whose work focuses on lung epithelial differentiation, alveolar stem-cell fate, tissue repair and pulmonary regeneration. He develops advanced organoid systems, transgenic models, imaging tools and bioengineering approaches to investigate how molecular signalling and mechanical forces regulate lung development and diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of the Punjab, Lahore.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Rauf Shakoori is an internationally recognized scientist and a pioneer in introducing modern cellular and molecular biology education and research in Pakistan. His research encompasses cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemical toxicology, environmental biotechnology, gene-expression regulation, bioremediation and bioinsecticides.

He is a Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, The World Academy of Sciences and the Islamic World Academy of Sciences. His distinctions include the Presidential Award of Aizaz-i-Kamal, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan Academy of Sciences Distinguished Scientist of the Year Award and the ECO Excellence Award in Science and Technology.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf is an internationally renowned plant scientist, academic leader and higher-education administrator. His research focuses on plant physiology, biotechnology, crop responses to drought, salinity, waterlogging and temperature extremes, and the development of climate-resilient agricultural systems. His scientific contributions support sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience and food security.

He is the recipient of Pakistan's prestigious civil awards: Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and President's Pride of Performance.

Prof. Dr. Zahoor Qadir Samra is an experienced biochemist and biotechnologist with expertise in applied biotechnology, immunology, nanobiotechnology, protein chemistry and molecular biology. His research has focused on targeted theranostic nanomedicines, recombinant vaccines, diagnostic immunoassays, antibody development, enzyme biotechnology and nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery.

He served as Director of the Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the University of the Punjab and contributed to the development of its School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and Centre for Bioinformatics and Drug Design. He received a Silver Medal in M.Sc. Chemistry from Bahauddin Zakariya University and completed advanced research training in molecular biology, immunology and immunochemistry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Imtiaz Shafiq is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in biochemistry, molecular modelling, bioinformatics, computational drug design and interdisciplinary chemical sciences. His research integrates computational and experimental approaches for studying therapeutic targets, enzyme systems, biomolecules, pharmaceutical formulations and nanotechnology-based applications.

He has been included among the world's top 2% most-cited scientists in the field of inorganic and nuclear chemistry. In addition to his scientific work, he leads the Skill Development Centre at the University of the Punjab, supporting professional training, emerging technologies and institutional capacity development.

Dr. Muhammad Sajjad is a biochemist and biotechnologist specializing in protein engineering, enzyme characterization and microbial-enzyme production. His research focuses on improving the stability and efficiency of industrial enzymes—including amylases, cellulases, pectinases, lipases and proteases—for applications in food processing, edible-oil refining, leather processing and other sustainable biotechnological processes.

His research experience also includes protein-engineering-based diagnostic methods, vaccine-candidate development and computational analysis of enzyme structure and function. He has participated in major HEC-funded projects involving COVID-19 diagnostics, dengue-vaccine candidates, cellulolytic enzymes and environmentally responsible industrial processing.

Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz Aslam is a biochemist and molecular biotechnology researcher specializing in cancer biomarkers, liquid biopsy, molecular diagnostics, recombinant therapeutic proteins and immunobiotechnology. His research includes the development of circulating cell-free DNA and DNA-methylation biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of lung and breast cancers.

His work also encompasses the design and biological evaluation of recombinant antiviral and anticancer proteins, including the genetically engineered interferon-α2–thymosin-α1 fusion protein, along with vaccine design, immunoinformatics and precision immunotherapy.

Muhammad Omer Khan Lodhi has an interest in digital media, communication and youth engagement. At MSL-CHIB, he supports social-media content development, event coverage, website updates and public-awareness campaigns. He assists in communicating the Center's research, training and community initiatives through accessible and engaging digital content. He performs these responsibilities under the supervision of the Center's senior management.

Amir Kodvai is a qualified Chartered Accountant responsible for overseeing the financial management and accountability systems of MSL-CHIB. He supervises budgeting, accounting records, financial reporting, statutory compliance, bank reconciliation and donor-related financial documentation. He supports transparent use of funds through appropriate internal controls, audit coordination and expenditure monitoring. He also advises the CEO and Board of Directors on financial planning, regulatory compliance and organizational sustainability.

A retired lieutenant colonel with a distinguished career across Pakistan's defense and national security institutions, followed by a decade leading corporate security for one of Pakistan's largest energy companies. He most recently served as Chief Security Officer at the Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (2006–2016), building and leading the security framework protecting company operations and personnel across Pakistan's most demanding operating environments, including direct coordination with federal and provincial law enforcement and government security agencies.

His earlier career included senior command and directorate-level postings within Pakistan's national intelligence services. That background gives him particular depth in institutional security, risk assessment, crisis management, and government and regulatory liaison—capabilities that support MSL-CHIB's laboratory security, international research partnerships, and engagement with government bodies.

Dr. Sikandar Hayat supports MSL-CHIB in identifying national and international funding opportunities and developing competitive grant applications. He coordinates proposal preparation, donor communication and institutional documentation in collaboration with the Center's research and administrative teams. He also facilitates partnerships with universities, hospitals, industry, government bodies and development organizations. His role contributes to resource mobilization, collaborative project development and the long-term sustainability of MSL-CHIB.

Zaeem Zafar leads the Center's information technology function. He oversees the systems, networks, website and digital tools the Center relies on, and is responsible for data storage and backup, cyber-security and access management, and day-to-day technical support for staff and researchers. He also helps evaluate, integrate and maintain laboratory and research software, and works to keep the Center's information secure, reliable and well governed.