Rawalpindi — Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has concluded a faculty development programme focused on social entrepreneurship in agriculture, sustainable peace-building, and innovation in higher education.
The Training of Trainers (ToT) programme brought together faculty members for capacity-building sessions aimed at strengthening teaching practices, promoting agricultural entrepreneurship, and encouraging youth-focused development models. The initiative is part of broader efforts to link education with practical solutions for socio-economic challenges.
During the concluding ceremony, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said agricultural universities play a key role in ensuring food security and supporting sustainable national development. He said faculty development initiatives help improve academic quality and prepare students to address emerging challenges.
The programme also highlighted the importance of research, innovation, and technology adoption in the agriculture sector to support long-term economic progress.
HEC urges participation in global academic programmes
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar said universities serve as engines of innovation and socio-economic development. He encouraged faculty members and students to actively engage in international fellowship and scholarship programmes to enhance research capacity and global exposure.
Collaboration and capacity building
PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman thanked UNODC and partner institutions for their collaboration and said faculty development programmes are essential for improving academic standards and institutional performance. He also stressed the need to promote entrepreneurial thinking among students alongside traditional academic learning.
UNODC Senior Advisor Syed Arsalan Shah said trained faculty members would continue to be engaged in future capacity-building initiatives, while Senior Legal Expert Syed Hussain Haider presented an overview of training outcomes and appreciated participants’ engagement.
On the occasion, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between PMAS-AAUR and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division to strengthen long-term institutional cooperation.
Faculty participants described the programme as a valuable learning experience that enhanced their understanding of social entrepreneurship, agricultural innovation, and community development.
Today's E-Paper