ISLAMABAD: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and Maldives National University (MNU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in agricultural research, faculty development and higher education, strengthening academic ties between the two institutions.
The agreement was signed at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Islamabad by PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman and MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam in the presence of HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar.
The partnership will focus on developing academic programmes, improving teaching and research capabilities, and encouraging scientific collaboration in agriculture and related disciplines.
A key component of the agreement is faculty capacity building, alongside curriculum development and knowledge exchange to help both universities strengthen their academic and research activities.
Universities to strengthen agricultural research and faculty development
Speaking at the signing ceremony, PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman said the agreement would open new opportunities for international academic cooperation, particularly in agricultural education, research and innovation.
He said collaboration with Maldives National University would facilitate the exchange of academic expertise, support faculty development and encourage joint educational initiatives.
MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships to improve academic capacity and respond to emerging challenges in agricultural education and development.
She said cooperation between the two universities would provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and help enhance expertise in relevant academic fields.
The agreement also reflects growing institutional engagement between universities in Pakistan and the Maldives, with agricultural education and scientific cooperation forming the central areas of collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Azam Khan, Dean of Agriculture at PMAS-AAUR and the university’s focal person for Maldives cooperation, played an important role in facilitating the partnership and establishing academic links between the institutions.
The MoU provides a framework for future collaboration in curriculum development, faculty training, research and academic exchanges, with both universities expected to pursue joint initiatives under the agreement.