Arid University, Nazarbayev University Sign MoU to Boost Research and Academic Cooperation

RAWALPINDI, August 11, 2026: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in research, faculty and student exchanges, academic activities and other areas of mutual interest.

The agreement was signed during a visit by a high-level delegation from Nazarbayev University, led by Prof. Rehan Sadiq, Provost, and Daniyar Duimagambetov, Director of Marketing.

Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque, Associate Dean at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada, also attended the meeting and played a facilitative role in strengthening academic links between the institutions.

PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman welcomed the delegation along with senior university officials, deans, directors and department heads.

MoU Focuses on Research and Exchange Programmes

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman briefed the visiting delegation on PMAS-AAUR’s academic programmes, research work, development projects and initiatives aimed at improving higher education and research quality.

He said international academic partnerships are important for expanding research capacity, sharing expertise and creating new opportunities for students and faculty.

Prof. Rehan Sadiq also briefed participants on Nazarbayev University’s academic programmes, research strengths, facilities and international outlook.

He appreciated PMAS-AAUR’s academic and technological initiatives and expressed hope that the partnership would develop into meaningful, long-term collaboration.

Delegation Visits Research and Innovation Facilities

As part of the visit, the delegation toured several PMAS-AAUR research and innovation facilities, including the Center for Precision Agriculture, National Center of Industrial Biotechnology, Green AI Hydroponic Unit, and Centre for Modern Agriculture & Water-Efficient Technologies.

University officials said the visiting team showed particular interest in the institution’s research infrastructure, modern technologies and specialised equipment.

The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs as a gesture of goodwill between PMAS-AAUR and Nazarbayev University.