'Invest in research to secure future'

JARANWALA:

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Friday urged agricultural scientists to undertake meaningful research initiatives and develop high-yield crop varieties to ensure food security and address pressing challenges such as climate change and water scarcity.

He expressed these views during a visit to the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), where he inaugurated a Teaching Research Computing Facility at the Faculty of Sciences and addressed faculty members at the New Senate Hall.

Highlighting concerns over rising agricultural imports, the governor noted that despite being an agrarian country, Pakistan continues to import agricultural commodities worth billions of rupees annually. He said the country is blessed with diverse seasons, a rich ecosystem and talented human resources, stressing the need to enhance per-acre productivity through research and innovation.

Referring to the newly inaugurated computing facility, he termed the donation of 1,000 computers by TT Global Foundation a commendable contribution that would significantly strengthen education and research at the university.

He added that the government is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities and promoting public-private partnerships to address emerging challenges in the education sector.

The governor also appreciated the efforts of TT Global Foundation CEO Faisal Shehzad and UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali for their role in advancing academic development.

He praised the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, adding that sustained peace would help attract foreign investment and open new avenues for development.