Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) successfully concluded a comprehensive Faculty Development Program (Training of Trainers – ToT) titled "Advancing Social Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for Sustainable Peace Building." The initiative was aimed at strengthening the professional capacities of university faculty members while promoting innovative approaches to agricultural entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and sustainable peace.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi graced the concluding ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (S.I.) attended as the Guest of Honour. The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by the Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, alongwith deans, directors, faculty members and senior university officials.
Addressing the participants, Federal Minister Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi emphasized the importance of faculty development initiatives in strengthening higher education institutions and preparing future generations to address national challenges. He said that such professional training programs significantly contribute to the intellectual growth of faculty members and ultimately improve the quality of education.
He remarked that agricultural universities such as PMAS-AAUR play a pivotal role in ensuring the nation's food security and advancing sustainable agricultural development. He further noted that university-led research, innovation, and the adoption of modern technologies are essential drivers of national progress and economic prosperity. He congratulated the Vice Chancellor and his team for successfully organizing a highly relevant and impactful faculty development program in collaboration with UNODC.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (S.I.) highlighted the central role of universities as engines of innovation, technological advancement, and socio-economic development. He encouraged both students and faculty members to actively participate in competitive research initiatives and international fellowship programs, emphasizing that such opportunities provide valuable exposure, strengthen research capabilities, and contribute to the overall improvement of Pakistan's higher education sector.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman expressed his gratitude to UNODC and all stakeholders for their unwavering support, dedication, commitment and tireless efforts in making the program a success. The Vice Chancellor congratulated all participating faculty members on successfully completing the Training program. He emphasized that faculty development programs are essential for improving teaching methodologies, academic excellence and institutional performance. Highlighting the evolving demands of the modern world, he stated that universities must cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students rather than limiting education to conventional employment pathways.
Senior Advisor and Office In-Charge UNODC Syed Arsalan Shah expressed appreciation for the excellent collaboration between UNODC and PMAS-AAUR. He announced that the trained faculty members would be engaged in additional UNODC capacity-building initiatives, providing them with further professional development opportunities.
Earlier, Prof. Syed Hussain Haider, Senior Legal Expert UNODC and Chief Trainer of the program presented an overview of the training activities and shared key outcomes of the initiative. He appreciated the exceptional dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm demonstrated by the participating faculty members.
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and the Ministry of National Heritage & Culture Division to establish a framework for long-term institutional collaboration.
The participating faculty members also expressed their appreciation for the initiative, describing it as highly informative, engaging and professionally enriching. They noted that the training equipped them with practical knowledge and innovative perspectives on social entrepreneurship, community engagement, agricultural innovation, leadership, and sustainable peace-building.
