Arid varsity, UNODC conclude faculty development program on agricultural entrepreneurship

Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), on Tuesday successfully concluded a comprehensive faculty development training program titled "Advancing Social Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for Sustainable Peace Building"

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Jun, 2026) Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), on Tuesday successfully concluded a comprehensive faculty development training program titled "Advancing Social Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for Sustainable Peace Building."

Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi graced the concluding ceremony of the Training of Trainers (ToT) program as the chief guest, while Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar attended as the guest of honour.

Addressing the participants, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that professional training programs significantly contribute to the intellectual growth of faculty members and improve the quality of education.

He remarked that agricultural universities like PMAS-AAUR are the guarantors of the nation's food security and sustainable agricultural development. He added that university-led research, innovation, and the adoption of modern technologies are essential drivers of national progress.

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Speaking on the occasion, HEC Chairman Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar highlighted the role of universities as engines of innovation and socio-economic development. He encouraged faculty members and students to actively participate in competitive research initiatives and international fellowship programs to strengthen their research capabilities.

Vice Chancellor Arid University Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman expressed gratitude to the UNODC and emphasized that universities must cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students rather than limiting education to conventional employment pathways.

UNODC Senior Advisor and Office In-Charge Syed Arsalan Shah appreciated the collaboration and announced that the trained faculty members would be engaged in future UNODC capacity-building initiatives.

Earlier, UNODC Senior Legal Expert and Chief Trainer Prof Syed Hussain Haider presented an overview of the training outcomes.

On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between PMAS-AAUR and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division to establish a framework for long-term institutional collaboration.