The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance scientific research, technical cooperation and regulatory oversight in Pakistan’s emerging cannabis sector.
According to a press release issued on October 28, 2026, the MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Abida Raza on behalf of PMAS-AAUR and Mr. Asif Haroon, Director CCRA. Maj. Gen. (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M), Director General CCRA, and Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, were also present on the occasion.
The collaboration is intended to link scientific research with regulatory governance by generating reliable and evidence-based findings to support CCRA’s regulatory decision-making. Under the partnership, both institutions will share expertise, resources and technical knowledge to encourage standardised testing, responsible research and development of scientific and technical capacity.
The areas identified for cooperation include cannabinoid identification and quantification, development and validation of analytical methods, chemical profiling, and research into cannabis biology, genetics, biotechnology and bioactive compounds.
Director General CCRA Maj. Gen. (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M) described the MoU as a defining milestone towards establishing a scientifically supported framework for the emerging industrial sector. He said effective regulation required dependable scientific evidence, standardised testing and strong institutional capacity.
The key areas of collaboration also cover joint research on cannabis biology and biotechnology, testing and screening of plant materials, extracts and derivatives, cannabinoid profiling and quantification, scientific support for regulatory decisions, and technical training to improve CCRA’s laboratory capabilities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman termed the agreement an important step in connecting regulatory governance with scientific advancement. He said the partnership between PMAS-AAUR and CCRA represented a combination of regulatory oversight and advanced scientific innovation.
He added that the initiative reflected PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to using its research capacity for emerging national priorities and to strengthening cooperation between academia and regulatory institutions.
