Editor's Note.

Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) is one of the important institutions of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation devoted to the cooperation and promotion of the scientific and technological cooperation among the OIC member states. This ministerial Committee was established in January 1981 during the 3rd Islamic Summit Conference in Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The Committee follows up the resolutions in the fields of science and technology. It also studies possible means of strengthening cooperation among the OIC Member States and prepares programs and proposals capable of improving Member States' capacities in these areas.

The President of Pakistan is the chairperson of this Committee, and its headquarter is located in Islamabad. The core objectives of this important Committee is to assess the human and material resource and identify the technological needs and requirements of the member countries. The aim is also to build the capacities of the member states in science and technology through cooperation and mutual assistance. The Committee also enhances cooperation and coordinates among the OIC member states on science and technology to achieve collective competence.

The Committee works in collaboration with the other organs of OIC and international organizations. COMSTECH headquarters is a sphere headed by a Coordinator-General. Internationally acclaimed Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary is the incumbent Coordinator-General to COMSTECH. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary is a distinguished National Meritorious Professor and Director at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry and Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research). He is among the most prominent scientists of Pakistan, recognized for his original contributions to natural products and bioorganic chemistry.

Dr. Iqbal has written and edited 76 books, most of which have been published in the USA and Europe. He is also the author of over 1,175 research papers and chapters in top international science journals of the West and 40 US patents. This is the most significant number of quality publications from scientists in Pakistan. He has been among the most cited scientists of Pakistan in the last five years...