The Syedna Burhanuddin Department of Genetics is one of the leading centers of field located at the Karachi University which was built by the generous funding by Syedna Burhanuddin – the spiritual leader of the Bohra community – and formally inaugurated by himself in June 2004.
The two-storey building, a blend of modern and Fatimid period structure, has in its database gene samples of various ethnic groups in Pakistan. It is a feature which can be used to look into the traits of ethnic diversity in the country and genome based research. The head of the department, Dr Shakeel Farooqi said, "We are providing services to patients who suffer from various genetic disorders."
He cited the case of a young girl who was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease – carrying both X and Y chromosomes. Genetically, females don’t have the Y chromosome as it is particularly associated to males.
The girl not only received counseling but also underwent a surgical procedure owing to her vulnerability to cancer.
A lack of awareness about such a disorder often leads to social stigmas and puts undue pressure on an individual who cannot understand the nature of their condition.
“With our counseling and advice the girl is now living a normal life and has a successful career,” Farooqi proudly added.

The Syedna Burhanuddin Department of Genetics also provides counseling to people with genetic disorders. -Photo by author
Read full article here: http://www.dawn.com/news/1058496/pakist ... volution/2