Rawalpindi, 07 July 2026: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS AAUR) and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting climate smart agriculture, strengthening the peanut value chain, and improving rural livelihoods.
The partnership signing ceremony was held at PMAS AAUR with Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan as the chief guest and PPAF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nadir Gul Barech as the guest of honour. They were welcomed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar uz-Zaman, along with the registrar, deans, directors, faculty members and senior university officials.
Addressing the ceremony, Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan said the government is establishing Digital Youth Hubs across the country to provide modern training opportunities, improve employability, promote entrepreneurship and equip youth with advanced technological skills.
He also said that during his recent visit to China and leading Chinese agricultural universities, discussions were held on academic cooperation and research partnerships. He expressed hope that these engagements would lead to collaboration between Chinese agricultural universities and PMAS AAUR in agricultural research, technology transfer, student exchange and innovation.
The Chairman also paid tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces and said that under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Pakistan’s global image has become stronger and more positive, supporting foreign investment and socio economic development.
Mr. Nadir Gul Barech described the agreement as a significant milestone for agricultural and rural development in Pakistan. He said the collaboration will be implemented under the project titled Climate Resilient Peanut Value Chain Development for Rural Enterprise and Economic Graduation Project.
He said the initiative will focus on climate resilient seed development, improved peanut production systems, value addition, enterprise development, digital advisory services and better market access for farmers through an integrated research to-market partnership model.
Prof. Dr. Qamar uz-Zaman thanked the Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the CEO PPAF and all collaborating partners for their trust and commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural sector through research driven partnerships. He also appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s youth focused initiatives in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, scholarships and career development.
The Vice Chancellor said PMAS AAUR has state of-the art laboratories, modern research facilities, advanced scientific equipment and qualified faculty members capable of implementing large scale national development projects. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to delivering research solutions that benefit farming communities and support national food security.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between PMAS AAUR and PPAF by authorized representatives of both institutions. Participants expressed confidence that the partnership will serve as a model for academia development sector collaboration in sustainable agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, climate resilience and socio economic development.
