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Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University

Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAUR), located in Rawalpindi, Punjab, is a leading institution in Pakistan for agricultural sciences, veterinary studies, and environmental research. It is especially known for its focus on rain-fed and arid agriculture, contributing to Pakistan’s rural and agricultural development through innovation, education, and research.

🏛️ Origins and Establishment

1970s: Began as an agricultural college, initiated by the Government of Punjab to cater to the educational and research needs of arid and semi-arid agriculture.
1994: Upgraded to university status and named in honor of Pir Mehr Ali Shah, a renowned Sufi saint and Islamic scholar whose teachings inspire the university’s vision of knowledge, service, and spirituality.

PMAS-AAUR was formed to solve local agricultural problems, promote sustainable development, and support the upliftment of rural communities through cutting-edge education and applied research.

🌟 Key Milestones

Specialized in arid agriculture and water conservation
Expanded into veterinary sciences, food technology, engineering, IT, and management sciences
Developed extensive research infrastructure focused on crop yield, soil management, and sustainability
Recognized by HEC for agricultural extension services and rural training programs

🎓 Academic Programs

PMAS-AAUR offers comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through multiple faculties and specialized institutes:

🔬 Core Faculties and Institutes:

Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences
Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Sciences
Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences
University Institute of Management Sciences (UIMS)
University Institute of Information Technology (UIIT)
Institute of Education and Research
University Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology (UIBB)
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (ISES)
Institute of Geo-informatics and Earth Observation (IGEO)

The programs are research-oriented and focus on developing problem-solving abilities and technical competencies in students, especially those geared toward Pakistan’s rural and farming sector.

🧪 Research and Innovation

PMAS-AAUR is known for its applied research that addresses pressing challenges in agriculture and environment. Major research themes include:

Crop productivity in arid regions
Efficient water use and conservation techniques
Sustainable soil management
Food safety, functional foods, and nutraceuticals
Livestock and poultry health management
Remote sensing and geo-informatics applications in agriculture

The university works closely with national and international research bodies, and its farmer outreach programs provide training and technology transfer to rural communities.

🏅 Recognition and Achievements

Consistently ranked among top Pakistani universities for agricultural and veterinary sciences by the Higher Education Commission (HEC)
Highly regarded for community development, agricultural extension, and research dissemination
Houses herbarium collections, modern food laboratories, and GIS research centers
Recognized for sustainability efforts and innovative agricultural techniques

👩‍🏫 Faculty Excellence: Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences

Some key faculty members include:

Dr. Asif Ahmad (Incharge): Postdoc (USA), expert in Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods
Dr. Asma Sohail: Ph.D. (Australia), Bio-encapsulation, Probiotics
Dr. Muhammad Abid: Ph.D. (China), Food Safety and Non-Thermal Technologies
Dr. Amir Rai: Food Toxicology, Cereal Technology
Dr. Kashif Sarfraz Abbasi: Postharvest and Functional Foods
Dr. Marina Sajid: Ph.D. (China), Food Microbiology, Cell Culture Techniques
Ms. Sowaba Muneer: Holistic Nutrition, Enzyme Technology
Mr. Muhammad Tauseef Azam & Muhammad Adeel Javed: Experts in Food Microbiology, Water Production, Bacteriocins

The faculty’s diverse international training strengthens PMAS-AAUR’s reputation as a center of food innovation and health research.

🧑‍💼 Administrative Leadership

The university is governed by a team of highly experienced professionals ensuring strategic planning, academic quality, and institutional growth:

Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Dr. Qamar uz Zaman
Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Dr. Fayyaz ul Hassan
Director of Academics: Dr. Tanveer Ahmad
Director of Planning & Development: Mr. Shahid Ali Khan
Registrar: Mr. Riaz Ahmad

🏫 Campus and Facilities

Modern Classrooms and Labs with state-of-the-art agricultural and food tech equipment
Experimental Research Farms for hands-on training in crop and soil management
GIS and Remote Sensing Labs for environmental and agricultural modeling
Veterinary Teaching Hospital for practical training in animal health
Hostels, Libraries, and Cafeterias for a complete student experience
Extension Services and Farmer Training Centers

🤝 Community Engagement

The university is committed to rural development and public education through:

Farmer field schools and workshops
Agricultural extension campaigns
Collaboration with NGOs and development agencies
Student volunteer and community service programs

📞 Contact Information

University Name: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAUR)
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Phone:

Main: +92-51-9290426-30
Admissions: +92-51-9290491
Fax: +92-51-9290425
Emails:
General Inquiries: info@uaar.edu.pk
Admissions: admissions@uaar.edu.pk
Website: www.uaar.edu.pk
Social Media:
Facebook: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University
Twitter: @uaar_official

✅ Final Thoughts

PMAS-AAUR is more than just an agricultural university—it’s a beacon of rural empowerment, sustainable innovation, and community-driven research. With its roots in the arid lands of Pakistan, the university continues to nurture talent, support innovation, and uplift agricultural communities, staying true to its mission of science for service and sustainability.

“From arid soil to academic excellence – PMAS-AAUR is cultivating Pakistan’s agricultural future.”