Lahore : Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Education, Lahore, is achieving notable progress in the fields of membrane technology and industrial chemistry. He is spearheading a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at producing pharmaceutical-grade sodium chloride (common salt) from locally sourced rock salt in Pakistan.
This innovative project focuses on significantly improving the purity and quality of sodium chloride to meet the stringent standards required for medical applications, particularly kidney dialysis, where only the highest-grade salts can be used safely and effectively.
In recognition of its scientific merit and potential impact, the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) has recently shortlisted Dr. Ahmad’s project for further evaluation and support. Operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology, PSF is one of the country’s most prestigious institutions promoting scientific research and technological innovation. In its latest funding cycle, PSF received over 1,800 research proposals from across Pakistan, of which only 80 projects were selected—Dr. Ahmad’s being among the chosen few.
The core objective of this research is to develop a cost-effective, sustainable, and locally viable method for producing high-purity sodium chloride, thereby reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported pharmaceutical-grade salts. This would also help lower production costs in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
By leveraging Pakistan’s abundant natural resources, particularly rock salt deposits in Punjab, Dr. Ahmad’s project aims to support the country’s self-sufficiency in critical medical supplies. If successful, the research could not only improve access to affordable, high-quality salt for essential treatments like dialysis but also pave the way for large-scale commercial production and potential exports.
Dr. Muhammad Ahmad’s selection by the Pakistan Science Foundation is a testament to the scientific excellence and national relevance of his work. His research reflects the growing emphasis on applied science in Pakistan, where researchers are actively working to develop practical solutions to national and global challenges.
