RAWALPINDI: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) celebrated World Food Day 2026 with a series of activities aimed at promoting food security, healthy nutrition and sustainable food systems through research, innovation and public awareness.
Organised by the university’s Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” the event brought attention to the importance of nutritious food, responsible dietary choices and innovative solutions to emerging food security challenges.
The celebrations featured a Food Fest, poster competition, seminar and awareness walk, providing participants with opportunities to explore issues related to nutrition, food sustainability and the role of scientific innovation in improving food systems.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman attended the event as chief guest. He visited the food stalls and poster presentations, interacted with participants and joined the seminar and awareness walk.
Addressing the gathering, the vice chancellor emphasised that ensuring food security and improving nutritional standards were essential for building a healthier and more sustainable society.
He said universities had a responsibility to lead efforts in research, innovation and public awareness to address challenges affecting food availability, quality and nutrition.
Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman highlighted the need to develop sustainable approaches that could help ensure access to safe and nutritious food while responding to changing environmental and societal needs.
He also stressed the importance of encouraging responsible food choices and strengthening nutritional awareness among the public.
The vice chancellor said educational institutions could contribute to addressing food-related challenges by promoting scientific research, developing innovative solutions and encouraging greater understanding of sustainable food practices.
The Food Fest and poster competition highlighted different aspects of healthy eating, nutrition and food security, while the seminar provided a platform for discussing approaches to improving food systems.
The awareness walk reinforced the event’s message of collective responsibility in promoting healthier dietary habits and sustainable food practices.
The World Food Day activities reflected PMAS-AAUR’s emphasis on linking academic knowledge, research and public engagement to support food security and nutritional well-being.