TIMERGARA, July 2: A three-day international symposium on biotechnology started in the University of Malakand, Chakdara, on Wednesday.

The symposium has been arranged by the biotechnology department of the university with the financial assistance of the Higher Education Commission.

Speaking at the opening session, vice-chancellor Dr Rasool Jan emphasised the need for innovation in the field of biotechnology and pharmacy.

“We being citizens of the third world are facing a lot of challenges to our health because we don’t concentrate on science and technology,” he said.

He said the University of Malakand was facing shortage of facilities, but it was imparting modern education to students.