By The World Ambassador TWA ______ Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) held its 24th Convocation with grandeur on Saturday, celebrating the academic triumphs of 8,222 graduates from the classes of 2022 and 2023. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, faculty, and families, underscored the university’s commitment to fostering leaders in agriculture, technology, and sustainable development. The event was graced by Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan as Chief Guest and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), as Guest of Honor. A total of 8,222 degrees were awarded, including: year 2022 Graduates 4,303 students, with 69 Ph.D. degrees, 56 Gold, 26 Silver, and 28 Bronze Medals. Year 2023, 3,919 students, with 86 Ph.D. degrees, 59 Gold, 30 Silver, and 24 Bronze Medals. Special Honors for two graduates received the Bank of Punjab Gold Medal, and one earned the Literacy Center Student Medal for both years. In his keynote address, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan praised Pakistan’s resilience, stating, “When our nation unites, Allah grants us success. We have triumphed in imposed wars and elevated the value of our green passport globally.” He hailed the armed forces for their sacrifices and urged graduates to harness modern technology in agriculture: “Innovation in this sector is key to Pakistan’s self-reliance. Pursue progress, and external validation will follow.” The Governor also emphasized familial respect, “Those whose parents are alive, touch their feet; those who have lost them, visit their graves to share your success”. He lauded PMAS-AAUR’s leadership for transforming the university into a beacon of agricultural research and pledged continued support for its vision. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad commended graduates for their perseverance and highlighted the role of education in national development: “Your achievements are a testament to hard work. Carry forward PMAS-AAUR’s legacy of integrity and innovation.” He acknowledged parents’ sacrifices and urged graduates to prioritize Pakistan’s growth, reaffirming HEC’s commitment to research-driven education. In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar uz Zaman celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments and outlined the university’s milestones. He said since 1994, PMAS-AAUR has produced 690 Ph.D. scholars, 29,000 master’s graduates, and 26,000 bachelor’s degree holders.

He informed that under his 2019–2023 tenure, labs were upgraded, smart classrooms, and digital infrastructure. University also Established pioneering centers like the CPEC Agriculture Cooperation Centre, National Centre for Livestock Breeding and Genomics, and Centre for Precision Agriculture. The Vice Chancellor said that the University is starting 23 AI-integrated undergraduate/graduate programs in Fall 2025 and expanding access via the Attock Sub-Campus. He also proposed a Center of Excellence in Climate-Smart Agriculture to tackle food security through AI-driven solutions. “Our graduates are ambassadors of progress,” said Dr. Zaman. “With cutting-edge programs and rural outreach, PMAS-AAUR will continue to drive sustainable development.”