The University of Agriculture, Peshawar-Pakistan

A Pak-Afghan Seminar was held on Zoonotic Diseases facing the livestock population in the region and their relationship with human health hazards and sufferings. The Seminar was organized by the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, under sponsorship of the Relief International as provided through a Memorandum of Understanding.

The Seminar was inaugurated by Prof M Subhan Qureshi, Dean, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences and attended by Sayed Zia ul Haq Banuree, Dean of Veterinary Faculty, Nangarhar University, Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Ahmad Aziz Kanker Faculty member and 8 DVM students, Dr Abdul Basir, Program Officer, BEP Program Manager, Relief International, Afghanistan, accompanied the Afghan delegation. Dr Umer Sadique, Chairman Animal Health, Dr Sarzamin Khan, Chairman Poultry Science, Dr Ijaz Ali, IBGE and faculty members and postgraduate students completed their postgraduate research under the program on zootic diseases, also participated in the Seminar.

Prof Qureshi welcomed the delegates and highlighted the importance of zoonotic diseases in livestock production and the responsibility of the Universities and research and development organizations to make the people aware of the hazards and to educate them on how to adopt good practices for protecting the producers and consumers from such diseases. He offered full support of the University of Agriculture Peshawar to the Nangarhar University in admitting students to the postgraduate degree programs, discussion on technical matters of strategic importance to both the countries and linking the farmers and business stakeholders for collaboration in areas of common interest. Prof Qureshi invited the participants to the 2nd International Workshop on Dairy Science Park, November 18-20, organized by this University with the theme of developing enterprising capacity of livestock and poultry farmers of Pak-Afghan Region through partnership of academia, government, entrepreneurs, exporters & civil society with special focus on meat production targeted at International Halal Food Market.

Dr Asghar Ali, National Program Manager, Relief International appreciated the collaboration with the University of Agriculture, Peshawar and Nangarhar University, Jalalabad expected it as a new avenue of strengthening the ties between the two people. He referred to the establishment of Zoonotic Information Center, Zoonotic Diagnostic Laboratory and sponsorship of the postgraduate research under an MoU with the University of Agriculture Peshawar. He offered support of the Relief International for organizing more events to bring the faculty members, students, development agencies and of both the countries to achieve the common goal of serving the people.

Dr Sayed Zia ul Haq Banuree, Dean of Veterinary Faculty, Nangarhar University appreciated this endeavors of discussing the zoonotic diseases by students and experts of both the Universities and emphasized upon the need to regularize such efforts and expand it to other activities like students exchange and collaborative research. He was of the opinion that the people of both the countries are facing economic constraints and they need to be served in a more effective way through resech and outreach activities. He appreciated the efforts of Relief International and offered all possible support of his University to make the efforts successful. Prof Qureshi reviewed the collaborative research and future strategies of RI and Universities in the Region.

The delegated held a meeting with Vice Chancellor-University of Agriculture Peshawar. A visit was made to the Campus, Laboratories & Facilities of the University. The next day a visit was made to the Livestock and Dairy Development Directorate (Extension) and (Research). An official Visit was also made to Khyber Medical University (KMU)-Peshawar.

The Seminar comprised lectures of experts including Dr Umer Sadique and Dr Ijaz Ali from AUP and Dr Tayyab/Dr Jawad from KMU. They organized an experience Sharing workshop through Group work of Afghanistan and Pakistan scholars and officials for collaboration in research on issues pertaining to Zoonoses. On final day Shields/Certificates Awarding Ceremony were awarded by chaired by the Vice Chancellor.

Prof M Subhan Qureshi
Email: drmsqureshi@aup.edu.pk,
Mobile #: 0300-587-7933