The Landscape Studio Lab of the Department of Horticulture at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi organised a two-day hands-on Floral Art Workshop titled ‘From Stem to Style: Mastering Ikebana and Fresh Floral Art for Creative Business Venture’ to strengthen student skills in design and enterprise.
Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, attended as the chief guest and praised the organisers for combining creativity with business acumen. He emphasised that while formal employment may be limited, business opportunities in floriculture are growing, and students should cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets to become creators and innovators for a progressive Pakistan.
The workshop featured an insightful keynote by international floral design expert Dr. Atif Riaz Qureshi from Australia on native cut flowers and market opportunities in Australia and Pakistan, inspiring participants to explore new market avenues and native species. Practical demonstrations by members of the Floral Art Society of Pakistan Magnolia Chapter gave students hands-on exposure to contemporary arrangement techniques and Ikebana principles.
Prof. Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, Dean Faculty of Agriculture and patron of the event, commended the organisers and specifically acknowledged chief organiser Dr. Usman Shoukat Qureshi for linking floriculture with entrepreneurship. He noted that the workshop effectively bridged art, science and business by offering practical training that prepares students for real-world challenges.
The Floral Art Workshop encouraged aesthetic refinement, innovation and sustainable business thinking while highlighting the mental well-being benefits of flowers. Participants received shields and certificates at the closing ceremony in recognition of their creativity and active engagement, reflecting the university’s commitment to skill development and holistic student growth.
By integrating traditional Ikebana with modern floral design and market-focused training, PMAS-AAUR is fostering a new generation of floristry professionals equipped to build enterprises and promote floriculture across Pakistan.
