RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Saturday urged Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture Universitygraduates to harness modern technology in agriculture.

Addressing the 24th Convocation of the university the governor said: “Innovation in this sector is key to Pakistan’s self-reliance. Pursue progress, and external validation will follow,” he said while addressing

The Arid University celebrated the academic triumphs of 8,222 graduates from the 2022 and 2023 sessions.

The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, faculty members, and families, underscored the university’s commitment to fostering leaders in agriculture, technology, and sustainable development.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan was the Chief Guest and Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), was Guest of Honour.

For session 2022, degrees were awarded to 4,303 graduates, including 69 PhD degrees, 56 gold, 26 silver, and 28 bronze medals.

For session 2023, 3,919 students were awarded degrees including 86 PhD degrees, 59 gold, 30 silver, and 24 bronze medals.

Special Honours for two graduates received the Bank of Punjab Gold Medal, and one earned the Literacy Centre Student Medal for both years.

Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan praised Pakistan’s resilience, stating, “When our nation unites, Allah grants us success.

We have triumphed in imposed wars and elevated the value of our green passport globally.”

The Governor also urged the students that those whose parents are alive, touch their feet; those who have lost them, visit their graves to share your success”. He lauded the university’s leadership for transforming the university into a beacon of agricultural research and pledged continued support for its vision.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmad commended graduates for their perseverance and highlighted the role of education in national development.

“Your achievements are a testament to hard work. Carry forward the university’s legacy of integrity and innovation,” he said.

He acknowledged parents’ sacrifices and urged graduates to prioritise Pakistan’s growth, reaffirming HEC’s commitment to research-driven education.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamaruz Zaman celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments and outlined the university’s milestones. He said since 1994, the university has produced 690 PhD scholars, 29,000 master’s graduates, and 26,000 bachelor’s degree holders.

He said that under his 2019–2023 tenure, labs were upgraded, smart classrooms, and digital infrastructure were established.

University also Established pioneering centres like the CPEC Agriculture Cooperation Centre, National Centre for Livestock Breeding and Genomics, and Centre for Precision Agriculture.

The Vice Chancellor said that the University is starting 23 AI-integrated undergraduate/graduate programs in Fall 2025 and expanding access via the Attock Sub-Campus.

He also proposed a Centre of Excellence in Climate-Smart Agriculture to tackle food security through AI-driven solutions.

“Our graduates are ambassadors of progress,” said Dr. Zaman. “With cutting-edge programmes and rural outreach, the university will continue to drive sustainable development.”

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2025