Book on Pakistan’s marine fauna launched at KU

KARACHI: A book on Pakistan’s marine fauna — Pakistani Marine Faunal Biodiversity Inventory and Taxonomic Resources — compiled by noted zoologist Prof Dr Quddusi Kazmi, was formally launched at a ceremony hosted by the University of Karachi. The event drew applause from academics, researchers, and students, who hailed the collection as a monumental addition to the country’s scientific literature, according to a KU press release.

Addressing the launch event, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi praised Dr Kazmi’s work, saying it stands as a testament to scholarly dedication. “Not only is the inventory a vital resource for students and professionals, but it also makes complex biodiversity accessible to the general public — a rare feat worthy of praise and emulation.”

He commended the author for her rigorous and patient efforts in consolidating scattered data on marine fauna into a coherent and organised system. The book, he said, marks a significant step forward for environmental sciences in Pakistan, and he underscored the enduring power of books as vessels of knowledge and preservation. “Books are more than printed pages — they are windows into the experiences of others, allowing future generations to explore, feel, and learn from the world in all its diversity.”

Dr Iraqi also expressed hope that young researchers, faculty members, and students would benefit from the book and find it a valuable reference for their research work.

Dr Kazmi shared that Pakistan’s coastline stretches roughly 1,046 km along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, divided into the Sindh and Balochistan (Makran) regions. Despite this ecological richness, she noted, no comprehensive attempt had previously been made to consolidate all available knowledge about Pakistan’s marine fauna — until now.

“Unfortunately, there was no reference material available in Pakistan for some groups and no authority to confirm identification. Therefore, this book was compiled with a focus on providing clear, detailed images to help in the identification of marine species,” she said.

KU’s Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Dr Musarrat Jahan Yousuf, paid tribute to Dr Kazmi’s contributions during her tenure with the Department of Zoology, highlighting her prolific career, which includes 14 books, four monographs, and over 170 research articles published in national and international journals.

The dean remarked that the new publication would undoubtedly open new doors of learning and research for the next generation.

The ceremony celebrated not just a book launch but a legacy of contributions to biodiversity research — an essential stride toward preserving and understanding Pakistan’s natural wealth, the KU press release concluded.

Report and photos courtesy: Social Track, Karachi (June 27, 2025)