Centre for Omic Sciences, Islamia College Peshawar

21/09/2026

14/09/2026

A small celebration at the Centre for Omic Sciences today.

Dr. Farhan Dil, Dr. Suleman, and Dr. Umar Farooq, esteemed faculty members of Khyber College of Dentistry and PhD scholars here at the Centre, came together to cut a cake and mark the occasion. It was a simple gathering, tea, a few samosas, and good company, but moments like these carry more meaning than they seem to at first glance.

What struck me most is the spirit these three bring to the Centre. Balancing full time faculty responsibilities at KCD with the rigor of a PhD is not easy, yet they show up, they push through, and they remind the rest of us why this work matters. Dentistry and omic sciences may seem like distant fields, but the curiosity that drives good research does not stay in its lane. It travels, it connects, and it brings people like these three to our door.

Grateful to have them as part of the Centre for Omic Sciences family. Here is to the questions they are chasing and the discoveries still ahead.

Congratulations, Dr. Farhan Dil, Dr. Suleman, and Dr. Farooq.

12/09/2026

A monumental milestone achieved! We have officially transitioned into our brand-new, purpose-built facility aka Centre for Omic Sciences, Islamia College Peshawar.

This move represents far more than a change of address. It is the realization of a bold vision. Established in 2017 by our founding visionary, the Late Prof. Habib Ahmad, our centre was built on a commitment to elevate academic rigor, scientific inquiry, and technological advancement. Moving into this custom-designed facility with support from Prof. Ahmad ur Rahman Saljoqi VC ICP brings his legacy full circle.

Key Pillars of This Journey:

Visionary Leadership: Grounded in the foundational vision of Late Prof. Habib Ahmad (2017).

Strategic Support:Funded under the Public Sector Development Programme () through the Planning Commission of Pakistan.

Institutional Ex*****on: Supported and executed through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.

Purpose-Built Facilities: Tailored to expand our research capabilities, foster multidisciplinary collaboration, and house state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The architecture honors traditional aesthetic heritage while providing the modern physical layout required to drive future research and innovation.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Prof. Ahmad ur Rahman Saljoqi, VC ICP and Dr. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary for their continued support of higher education initiatives, to Dr Najeebullah Marwat for his role in bringing this project to fruition, and to Prof.Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (S.I) , for his institutional leadership and commitment for strengthening CoS. Our thanks also go to HEC, the Planning Commission of Pakistan, and every team member, partner, and scholar who worked tirelessly to bring this project from concept to concrete reality.

Here's to a new chapter of discovery, excellence, and lasting impact!

10/09/2026

Glimpse from past that paved way for Genomics research in KP, led by Dr. Muhammad Muhammad Ilyas

Two Keystone MoUs
University College of London
MIT Harvard.

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

Vice Chancellor Prof. Habib Ahmad briefing Mr. Kamran Bangash, Minister of Science and Technology Khyber Pukhtunkhwa on his visit to Centre for Omic Sciences, Islamia College University Peshawar.

10/09/2026

Dr. Muhammad Ilyas was invited by Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arab where he delivered his talk on his research project on Genetics of Pashtuns.

10/09/2026

*Centre for Omic Sciences Peshawar Joins Forces with Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Genomics Consortium*

In a significant stride towards advancing genomic research, Dr. Muhammad llyas, Principal investigator of the genome project (NRPU-17341), has inked a collaboration agreement with the prestigious Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. This partnership heralds a new chapter in the exploration of genetic variations and their implications for rare and common diseases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

"l am thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with the Broad Institute, a powerhouse of innovation and excellence in genomics research," expressed Dr llyas. "Together, we aim to delve deeper into the genetic landscape, uncovering novel insights that could pave the way for transformative advancements in healthcare."

The collaboration, however, extends beyond individual efforts, as it is part of the Genetic Diseases Consortium, a collective initiative aimed at unraveling the genetic underpinnings of various diseases. This collaborative approach underscores the significance of pooling resources and expertise to tackle complex scientific challenges on a global scale.

Reflecting on this landmark collaboration, Prof. Dr. Ali Muhammad, Vice Chancellor of Islamia College Peshawar, lauded Dr. llyas' initiative in joining forces with a renowned institution like the Broad Institute. "Dr. Muhammad Ilyas' collaboration with the Broad Institute marks a significant milestone in the journey of Pakistani scientists towards global recognition in genomic research," remarked Prof. Dr. Ali Muhammad

He also emphasized the importance of nurturing a conducive environment for scientific research and collaboration within Pakistan. "As a nation, it is imperative that we continue to support and invest in our scientific community, providing them with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in their endeavors," concluded Prof. Dr. Ali Muhammad.

The partnership is poised to catalyze groundbreaking discoveries in the field of genetics, with a focus on identifying ethnic and tribal-specific mutations that hold the key to understanding both rare and common diseases. Through collaborative research projects and shared resources, Dr llyas and the Broad Institute seek to accelerate the pace of genomic discoveries and translate findings into tangible benefits for patients worldwide.