The Punjab Chief Minister’s internship program for agricultural graduates has been hailed as a significant initiative to strengthen the province’s agriculture sector and empower young professionals. Vice Chancellor of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, described the program as a vital step in providing practical experience to graduates while supporting them financially through a monthly stipend.
During a meeting attended by Director of Agriculture Extension Rawalpindi Division Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari, Dean of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, University Registrar Muhammad Aqeel Sultan, and other dignitaries, Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman emphasized the importance of agriculture to Pakistan’s economy. He noted that hands-on training through internships is crucial for the development of the sector and for relieving the financial pressures faced by recent graduates.
The internship program, launched under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has entered its second phase. It will offer 2,000 internships to graduates holding B.Sc. (Hons.) degrees in Agriculture or Agricultural Engineering, each with a monthly stipend of Rs. 60,000. The program is open to candidates up to 25 years of age.
Interested applicants are required to submit their completed forms to their local Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) offices. Further details and application forms are available from the Punjab Agriculture Department’s website or at the offices of the Deputy or Assistant Director Agriculture (Extension).
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman and Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for launching this impactful initiative. They underscored that the program not only supports agricultural progress but also promotes employment opportunities for the youth.
