Director General of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA), Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, visited Government College University Faisalabad along with a high-level delegation to explore new avenues for scientific and research collaboration.

The visit was facilitated by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC), GCUF. On the occasion, Dr Tanveer Shahzad and Dr Muhammad Nasir presented reports on their respective institutions.

During the visit, Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha held a meeting with Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam and faculty members from science, medical and agriculture-related departments. The discussions focused on strengthening linkages between academia, industry and regulatory bodies, and promoting research, innovation and practical applications, particularly in the fields of food safety, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and medical sciences.

The faculty was given a detailed briefing on PAFDA’s state-of-the-art laboratories, testing facilities and modern technologies being utilized for the analysis of food, agricultural products, medicines and medical materials. The Director General emphasized the importance of scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing to ensure quality standards and safeguard public health.

It was agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GCUF and PAFDA would be signed in the near future. The collaboration will include joint research projects, laboratory support and provision of sample testing facilities, offering valuable opportunities for faculty members, researchers and students.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam appreciated the role of PAFDA in ensuring quality and safety standards. He said that collaboration with such institutions would promote applied research, enhance capacity building and improve the skills of students and faculty. He added that such partnerships are vital to address emerging challenges in food security, agriculture and public health.