4th September 2025
Press Release
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WPSA Student Symposium at University of Poonch Rawalakot Highlights Career Opportunities, Scholarship Initiative, and Future Collaboration
Rawalakot, AJK
The symposium commenced with special messages from the leadership of WPSA: Dr. Farhan Farooq, Secretary General WPSA Pakistan, delivered the message of the President WPSA Pakistan, while Dr. Nasir Mukhtar, Associate Professor PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, conveyed the message of the President WPSA North Zone. Both messages highlighted the Association’s vision for empowering students, fostering industry–academia linkages, and strengthening Pakistan’s poultry sector through research, innovation, and global collaboration.
The World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) – Pakistan Branch, in collaboration with the University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), successfully organized the WPSA Student Symposium (Technical and Career Counseling) at the University’s main campus. The event brought together students, researchers, and poultry industry professionals to explore global opportunities, technical advancements, and career development pathways in the poultry and animal sciences sector.
The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome address from Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, UPR, who emphasized the importance of aligning academic education with industry needs.
The symposium featured an impressive lineup of speakers who shared expertise on both career-oriented and technical themes:
Dr. Farhan Farooq, Secretary General WPSA Pakistan, introduced the mission and activities of WPSA and also spoke on Managing Broiler and Parent Stock for Peak Productivity.
Dr. Asif Javid, Commercial Director Pakistan & Regional Development Manager TMEA, EW Nutrition, addressed Mastering International Job Interviews and Cultural Adaptability.
Dr. Nasir Mukhtar, Associate Professor, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, delivered a session on Unlocking Global Opportunities: A Roadmap to Scholarships.
Dr. Junaid Haider, Hivet Animal Health Business, discussed the Dynamics of Vaccines in Pakistan.
One of the key highlights of the event was the announcement of a new Scholarship Program by Dr. Farhan Farooq, designed to support outstanding students in poultry and animal sciences. This initiative was warmly welcomed and is expected to provide a valuable boost to student learning and research opportunities.
Another milestone of the symposium was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Poonch Rawalakot and WPSA Pakistan Branch. The MOU establishes a framework for future collaboration in research, training, student exchange, and joint initiatives, ensuring long-term benefits for both academia and the poultry sector.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Imran Ahmad, Lecturer at UPR and Focal Person of the symposium, expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, and sponsors. Shields were presented to distinguished guests in recognition of their contributions.
The successful execution of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee, including Mr. Muhammad Zee Waqar (WPSA Office Coordinator), Dr. Imran Ahmad (Lecturer, UPR), Dr. Zulfiqar Abbasi (Faculty Member, UPR), Uqba Shaukat (Event Moderator), Nazra Naeem (Program Coordinator), Ahmed Ali (CR DVM 8th), and all the enthusiastic students of University of Poonch Rawalakot, whose teamwork and commitment ensured the symposium’s success.
The event was generously sponsored by Hivet Animal Health Business, reflecting the vital role of industry in supporting education, innovation, and capacity building.
The symposium reaffirmed the commitment of WPSA Pakistan Branch and the University of Poonch Rawalakot to advancing education, research, and career development opportunities for students, with the shared vision of contributing to the growth and sustainability of Pakistan’s poultry and livestock industries.
