Vision

Utilizing degraded lands and brackish water for growing plants of economic importance to reduce pressure on fertile lands and sweet water resources.

Mission

Domesticating various halophytes to serve as a source of fodder, forage, biofuel, oil seeds, medicinal plants and other possible usages.

Rationale behind establishing the Institute

A significant portion of the Earth’s surface is affected by salinity, with nearly three-quarters covered by saline water bodies and vast areas of land degraded by natural and secondary salinization. In many regions, subsoil water is of poor quality and unsuitable for conventional agriculture. The expansion of agricultural land and the search for new freshwater resources pose serious ecological and practical challenges, making traditional approaches increasingly unsustainable.

These constraints highlight the need for alternative strategies to support food and resource security for a growing population. One promising solution lies in the utilization of halophytes - plants naturally adapted to saline environments found in degraded and marginal lands.

Recognizing the untapped potential of these plants, the MAK Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization was established in 2006 with the support of the University of Karachi and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The Institute is dedicated to advancing research on halophytes for sustainable use of saline resources.

Research at ISHU focuses on understanding salt tolerance mechanisms through an integrated approach combining eco-physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. The Institute has made significant contributions to saline agriculture, trained faculty and researchers through national and international collaborations, and produced highly qualified postgraduate alumni serving in leading academic and research institutions.

To date, over 30 M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars have graduated from the Institute. The Institute’s research excellence is demonstrated by more than 500 international peer-reviewed publications, securing its prominent position within the University of Karachi.

Postgraduate Programs Available

M.Phil. & Ph.D, in Botany (ISHU)

Avenues for Research

• Plant Ecology and Ecophysiology
• Biochemistry and Biotechnology
• Photosynthesis and Photobiology
• Ecotoxicology and Phytoremediation
• Phytochemistry of Medicinal Halophytes
• Halo-fuel and Saline Agriculture
• Genomics, Transcriptomics and Proteomics

Aims and Scope of the programs

The major objectives of the degree programs at MAK-ISHU are:

• To create awareness about the pristine and dynamic salt marsh and salt desert ecosystems, their direct economic, ecological and aesthetic benefits of halophytic communities for mankind and the need for conservation.
• To infuse realization about the challenges of global climate changes, their impacts and the need to develop indigenous and innovative ways to harness conventional and non-conventional future crops in an environment friendly manner.
• To train students in cutting-edge research techniques for investigating the dynamic stress tolerance mechanisms of stress tolerance of plants.

These postgraduate programs are in line with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable & clean energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life in Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Facilities Available

ISHU has state of the art facilities for conducting research in lab, green-houses and an experimental field conditions. Salt tolerant plants have the potential to become nonconventional future crops which may be utilized as food, feed, fiber, medicines and ornamentals. Instruments such as Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, CNS analyzer, GC-MS, HPLC, Ion Chromatograph, Gel Doc System, PCRs, Li-COR Photosynthesis system, Walz PAM fluorometer, Osmometer and Plant Water Status Console are available.

Infrastructure

The Institute has the state-of-the-Art facilities with six offices and four working laboratories on the ground floor including an instrument lab, with ten additional working labs on the first floor. The institute also has two conference rooms, a cold room and three netted green houses in the premises for conducting growth experiments.

Career Opportunities

ISHU graduates can apply for teaching positions in public and private teaching and/or research institutions as well as in research and development organizations related to plant sciences.