Establish the Miyawaki Orchard at BUITEMS, Quetta
OGDCL, Pakistan, National
Key Developments: ? Site Prepared: Native soil enriched with organic matter for optimal growth. ? 600+ Saplings Planted: Drought-resistant fruit trees (pomegranate, olive, fig) and indigenous species. ? Water-Saving Systems: Drip irrigation installed for sustainable maintenance. Future Prospects: Carbon Sequestration Hub for Quetta’s arid climate. Model Urban Orchard for research/education on Miyawaki techniques. Fruit Production to support BUITEMS’ green initiatives. "Transforming barren land into a biodiverse, productive green space."
Funded , 2025 , Ongoing

Establish/ope-rationalize the tissue culture lab at ARI, Sariab, Quetta
Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Quetta, International
As an International Consultant, Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed Rana successfully spearheaded the establishment and operationalization of a state-of-the-art Tissue Culture Laboratory at the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Sariab, Quetta. This milestone project involved: Designing and equipping a modern tissue culture facility meeting international standards Training local scientists & technicians in advanced micropropagation techniques Developing protocols for mass propagation of high-value crops suited to Balochistan’s climate Ensuring sustainable lab operations through capacity-building and knowledge transfer The lab now serves as a hub for agricultural biotechnology in the region, supporting crop improvement, disease-free plant production, and research on drought-resistant varieties. This achievement strengthens food security and farmer livelihoods in Balochistan while fostering international scientific collaboration.
Funded , 2023 , Completed

BIOSCANE-• Regional Focal Person (Balochistan Chapter)
Project Life Plan, University of Guelph, Canada., International
As the Regional Focal Person for Balochistan under the global BIOSCAN initiative, I successfully: Coordinated biodiversity surveys across key ecological zones of Balochistan, documenting flora/fauna using DNA barcoding. Established collaborative networks between researchers, conservationists, and local communities for standardized data collection. Trained regional teams in molecular taxonomy and field sampling protocols aligned with iBOL (International Barcode of Life) standards. Curated Balochistan’s first DNA barcode reference library, contributing to Pakistan’s national biodiversity database. This role amplified Balochistan’s representation in global biodiversity monitoring, supporting conservation policies and ecological research. "A pivotal step toward decoding Balochistan’s unique biodiversity for science and sustainability."
Funded , 2023 , Completed

Recombinant DNA Technology for gene cloning via pUC18 vector
ORIC-BUITEMS, National
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed Rana, this ORIC-BUITEMS-funded project achieved a major milestone in molecular biotechnology by successfully cloning target genes into the pUC18 plasmid vector. The team optimized bacterial transformation protocols, achieving high-efficiency insertion and expression of recombinant DNA in E. coli hosts. This work establishes a cost-effective, locally adaptable framework for genetic engineering applications in Pakistan, from biomedical research to agricultural biotechnology. The project’s outcomes strengthen BUITEMS’ capacity for advanced genomic research and provide hands-on training for students in cutting-edge DNA manipulation techniques. Key Outcomes: ? Standardized pUC18-based cloning protocols for Pakistani research labs ? Enhanced local expertise in recombinant DNA technology ? Foundation for future gene-editing and synthetic biology projects
Funded , 2021 , Completed

POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT IN DECIDUOUS FRUITS OF BALOCHISTAN
ALP-PARC-NARC-Pakistan, National
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed Rana, this ALP-PARC funded project successfully addressed critical post-harvest challenges affecting Balochistan's deciduous fruit industry. The research team developed innovative storage protocols and low-cost preservation techniques to significantly reduce fruit spoilage and extend shelf-life. By integrating modern post-harvest technologies with traditional practices, the project achieved: 30-40% reduction in post-harvest losses of apples, peaches, and apricots Improved fruit quality retention during storage and transportation Farmer-friendly guidelines for optimal harvesting and handling practices This impactful work directly benefits Balochistan's fruit growers by enhancing marketability and profitability while contributing to food security in the region. The project outcomes serve as a model for sustainable post-harvest management in Pakistan's fruit-growing areas.
Funded , 2016 , Completed

DNA based identification of Mistletoes existing in Juniper ecosystem of Ziarat and suggesting its control strategies
ORIC-BUITEMS, National
Led by: Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed Rana "This pioneering project successfully employed DNA barcoding to identify mistletoe species parasitizing Ziarat’s ancient juniper forests—a UNESCO-protected ecosystem. By integrating molecular taxonomy with ecological studies, Prof. Rana’s team not only revealed key mistletoe-host interactions but also proposed science-backed control strategies to safeguard this fragile biome. The research sets a benchmark for conservation genomics in Pakistan, offering actionable solutions to mitigate biodiversity loss in one of the world’s largest juniper habitats." Key Achievements Highlighted: Innovation: First DNA-based mistletoe catalog for Ziarat’s junipers. Impact: Direct conservation applications for a threatened ecosystem. Legacy: Framework for future genomic studies in forest pathology.
Funded , 2016 , Completed

Development of Escherichia coli competent cells for the gene
ORIC-BUITEMS, National
Scientific Excellence & Innovation "This remarkable project demonstrates groundbreaking work in molecular biology, successfully developing highly efficient E. coli competent cells for gene cloning. Such advancements are crucial for genetic research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical applications. Prof. Rana’s expertise has paved the way for more cost-effective and reliable transformation techniques in Pakistan’s research landscape." Contribution to Research & Biotechnology "The successful development of locally produced competent cells reduces dependency on expensive commercial kits, making genetic engineering more accessible to Pakistani researchers. This project not only strengthens our scientific infrastructure but also encourages future innovations in synthetic biology and recombinant DNA technology." Academic & Industrial Impact "By optimizing transformation efficiency and stability, Prof. Rana’s work has immense potential for academic labs, agricultural biotech, and vaccine.
Funded , 2015 , Completed

Development of cDNA libraries of local germplasm for isolation and characterization of postharvest prolonging genes
ORIC-BUITEMS, National
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed Rana, this groundbreaking research project successfully developed cDNA libraries from local germplasm to identify and characterize genes responsible for extending postharvest shelf life in crops. By utilizing advanced molecular techniques, including RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and PCR cloning, the team isolated key genes involved in delaying fruit and vegetable deterioration. The study provided critical insights into ethylene regulation, cell wall degradation enzymes, and stress-responsive genes, offering potential applications in biotechnology-assisted crop improvement. This project contributed significantly to reducing postharvest losses and enhancing food security by developing genetically informed storage strategies.
Funded , 2014 , Completed

Biochemical and Molecular analysis of medicinal plants subject to ointment for human skin burn.
ORIC-BUITEMS, National
Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed’s project successfully demonstrated that herbal ointments derived from medicinal plants can be a viable, safe, and effective alternative for burn treatment. The integration of biochemical and molecular analyses ensured a scientifically rigorous approach, bridging traditional knowledge with modern science. This research holds promise for further development of standardized herbal formulations for burn care, potentially revolutionizing dermatological treatments in both clinical and community settings. Future studies could explore large-scale clinical trials and nanotechnology-based delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and effectiveness.
Funded , 2013 , Completed