Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat Visits UVAS Lahore

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan visited the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences along with Member National Assembly Muhammad Hayat Ahmad Khan, Vice-Chancellor of University of the Punjab Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, and former President of Pakistan Veterinary Medical Association Dr Muhammad Arshad. The delegation called on UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani.
A detailed meeting was held at UVAS, chaired by Prof Dr Masood Rabbani. It was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Younus, Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof Dr Kamran Ashraf, Emeritus Professor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad, and other senior faculty members and administrative officials.
Addressing the meeting, Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan said that agriculture and livestock are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, adding that the Punjab government is taking key initiatives to strengthen both sectors. He noted that vice-chancellors have been appointed on merit to improve academic standards and promote research, particularly in the livestock sector, while extending support to small farmers.
The minister highlighted that the government has provided financial assistance exceeding Rs1 billion to various educational institutions, contributing to advancements in education, research, and agro-livestock tourism. He also assured further funding support for UVAS.
He emphasized the need to equip the younger generation with knowledge in agriculture, animal husbandry, food safety, and related fields. He noted that student intake and employability opportunities have been increased at the Ravi Campus Pattoki, where new degree programs have also been launched. He congratulated Prof Dr Masood Rabbani on assuming charge as Vice-Chancellor of UVAS.
The minister urged researchers and scientists to intensify efforts to address challenges in agriculture and livestock sectors and improve outcomes for farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Masood Rabbani welcomed the delegation to the historic institution, noting its 144-year legacy. He shared plans to develop the Ravi Campus Pattoki into a tourism and learning hub where students from schools and colleges can gain practical exposure to poultry, fisheries, dairy, wildlife, veterinary sciences, food safety, and farm-to-fork processing.
He requested additional government funding to further promote education, research, and agro-livestock tourism at the campus.
Meanwhile, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah expressed interest in collaborative research between Punjab University and UVAS, particularly in vaccine production and product development. He assured that Punjab University would extend full support to UVAS researchers.
Dr Muhammad Arshad praised the education minister, calling him a dynamic leader contributing significantly to the development of the education sector in Punjab.