Arid University and Nazarbayev University Kazakhstan Sign MoU to Strengthen Research and Academic Collaboration

Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote mutual collaboration in research, faculty & student exchange program, academic activities and other areas of common interest. The MoU was signed during the visit of a high-level delegation from Nazarbayev University comprising Prof. Rehan Sadiq, Provost, Nazarbayev University, Mr. Daniyar Duimagambetov, Director, Department of Marketing, Nazarbayev University, and other university officials. Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque, Associate Dean, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Canada, also attended the occasion and played a key role in facilitating the visit and strengthening academic linkages between the institutions. Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman warmly welcomed the delegation along with the Registrar, Deans, Directors, heads of various departments and other senior university officials.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman briefed the delegation about academic and research activities of PMAS-AAUR, its ongoing development projects and major initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education and research. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that international academic partnerships are vital for strengthening research capacity, sharing expertise and creating new opportunities for faculty and students.

Prof. Rehan Sadiq briefed the participants about Nazarbayev University, its academic programmes, research strengths, modern facilities and international outlook. He appreciated the academic and technological initiatives being undertaken by PMAS- AAUR and expressed his optimism that the partnership would lead to meaningful and sustainable collaboration between the two universities.

During their visit, the delegation toured several state-of-the-art research and innovation facilities of PMAS-AAUR, including the Center for Precision Agriculture (C4PA), National Center of Industrial Biotechnology (NCIB), Green Al Hydroponic Unit, and Centre for Modern Agriculture & Water-Efficient Technologies. The visiting delegation showed keen interest in the University's advanced research facilities, modern technologies and specialized equipment.

The visit concluded with the exchange of souvenirs as a gesture of goodwill and friendship between PMAS-AAUR and Nazarbayev University.