15/04/2026
19th International UMR Conference Commences at Peshawar Medical College
PESHAWAR (April 15, 2026) — The 19th International UMR Conference 2026 officially opened at Peshawar Medical College on Wednesday gathering a prestigious assembly of academicians, researchers, and medical students. The inaugural session centered on the urgent need to transition from being mere consumers of knowledge to becoming creators of evidence-based research.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University (RIU), delivered a profound keynote address. He highlighted that while the Quran places immense emphasis on research and the pursuit of evidence, much of the Ummah has drifted toward the simple application of existing knowledge.
Dr. Anis urged professionals to conduct a "self-audit" of their responsibilities to ensure they are meeting societal needs. He articulated a vision where education is not pursued for material gain, but to "illuminate one’s surroundings" and serve humanity. "A holistic view of health must balance both mental and physical well-being," Dr. Anis stated, while also advocating for the use of national languages, specifically Urdu, to bridge social divides and preserve cultural heritage within the scientific community.
The conference featured prominent international perspectives on the rising threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
Prof. Dr. Anwar Hoosen (University of Pretoria), in an online plenary lecture titled "The Essential Pathway of AMR Research in Resource-Limited Settings," outlined the pressing burdens of global health and called for a strategic shift in how developing nations approach medical research.
Dr. Yogandree Ramsamy (University of KwaZulu-Natal),drawing from her South African experience, she discussed the practicalities of combating AMR and the necessity of clinical evidence in improving patient outcomes.
Earlier in the session, Dr. Hala Rajab, Director of UMR, presented "Charting the Cosmos of Knowledge: From Research to Reality," highlighting the conference's core objectives.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Swati, Director of RIU Peshawar. Shields of appreciation were presented to the chief guest and keynote speakers to honor their contributions to the field.
The 19th International UMR Conference will continue with a series of academic competitions, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to enhance the research capacity of the next generation of healthcare professionals.
