LAHORE (Monday, March 23): Punjab University Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) organized a workshop on “Ethical Issues Related to Work on Stem Cells”. PU former vice-chancellor Prof Khairat Ibn-e-Rasa, AIMC Principal Prof Javed Akram, and PU Registrar Prof Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan jointly presided over the workshop. Dr Israr Ahmad, Prof. Muhammad Salim Akhtar, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Muneer Ahmad Mughal and Prof Dr Sheikh Riazuddin addressed on the occasion. CEMB Director Prof Dr S Riazuddin introduced the subject matter of the workshop and highlighted the following specific points for discussion to the speakers.

1. When does life begin (is it at the stage fertilization, ensoulation or birth of the baby)?

2. Is killing a five day fertilized egg considered as killing new life? If so, does the killing of fertilized egg justifiable to save lives of people who already exist on this planet?

3. Ethical issues in connection with obtaining biological materials for stem cell research.

South Asian University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Salim Akhter discussed development of potential life In utero and In vitro (Test Tube) as a result of conception. He described origin of Stem Cells on day 5 and subsequent life process up to day 120 after fertilization. He also explained the use of required number of Stem Cells for implantation into womb and use of excess Stem Cells for research purpose.

Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) President Prof Dr Yasmin Rashid presented an excellent pictorial review of fetal development including appearance of sex and other organs in the fetus.

Dr Israr Ahmed an internationally recognized religious scholar and Founder Tanzeem-e-Islami, Quran Academy , an authority on comparative religions delivered a lecture on the origin of this galaxy and life on the planet. The most interesting concept of the lecture was related to spiritual part of life (Soul) before the origin of material form of present life on this planet. He cited Quranic Verses and Hadith interpretation to conclude that killing of an embryo before ensoulment (120 days) is regarded as dislike (Makru) and after 120 days while it is considered as forbidden (Haram) unless it is done to save the life of the mother. He further added that use of stem cells for research is allowed in Islam but not for “human cloning”. Islam encourages research and use of stem cells for this purpose is legitimate and permissible but human cloning is not allowed under any circumstance.

Council of Islamic Ideology (Representative of Ministry of Religious Affairs Govt. of Pakistan) Member Muneer Ahmad Mughal advocated that research on advanced technologies is in line with the teachings of Islam and research on stem cell is legitimate and permissible.

Prof Khairat M Ibn-e-Rasa concluded the workshop by saying that if do we not work on new and innovative concepts, we will lag behind the world. Future survival will depend on the knowledge that we generate/ acquire and supported more work to enhance knowledge in the frontiers of sciences. In the end he commend the efforts of CEMB in promoting the causes of Molecular Biology, appreciated the high quality of work on Bt. Cotton, Stem Cell uses, hearing and vision impairment and commended this initiative to engage in a dialogue on contemporary issues.