Landmark Zoology Congress Opens at UAJK, Promises Cutting-Edge Research Discourse
Chehra WebDesk
Landmark Zoology Congress
Opens at UAJK, Promises Cutting-Edge Research Discourse
MUZAFFARABAD, The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) stands as the proud host
of the esteemed 42nd International Pakistan Congress of Zoology, convened at
its King Abdullah Campus. Gathering distinguished vice-chancellors, esteemed
faculty members, and over 1,000 delegates from universities nationwide,
including Gilgit-Baltistan and the four provinces, this congress marks a
pinnacle in the field's discourse.
The opening ceremony,
jointly orchestrated with the Pakistan Zoological Society, unfolded on Tuesday
at the Auditorium of King Abdullah Campus, UAJK, graced by Speaker Azad Jammu
and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chaudhary Latif Akbar, as the chief guest.
In his address, Speaker
Chaudhary Latif Akbar lauded the relentless dedication of researchers in
zoology, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society. He expressed
delight at the convergence of international and national scientists, esteemed faculty,
and delegates from diverse regions, underscoring the congress's potential to
realize its objectives.
Highlighting the pressing
global environmental challenges, Speaker Latif Akbar emphasized the imperative
of safeguarding natural ecosystems. He urged concrete action and heightened
awareness, particularly among the youth, to confront climate change and ensure
sustainable stewardship for future generations.
Acknowledging the pivotal
role of UAJK in hosting the congress, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem
Abbasi expressed profound gratitude for the honor bestowed upon the university.
In his address, he
highlighted the congress's potential to pave new avenues of knowledge and
research in the field of Zoology. Dr. Abbasi underscored the pivotal role of
such gatherings in nurturing academic and professional growth, offering
attendees the latest insights and developments in Zoology.
Furthermore, he commended
the resilience of UAJK, particularly emphasizing its remarkable recovery post
the 2005 earthquake, facilitated by the support of the Saudi government, which
has enabled the establishment of state-of-the-art infrastructure and well-equipped
laboratories.
Dr. A. R. Shakoori,
President of the Zoological Society of Pakistan, echoed the sentiment of
collaboration's significance in advancing the field, while General Secretary
Abdul Aziz Khan underscored the society's commitment to fostering excellence in
zoological education and research.
The inaugural ceremony
also recognized stalwarts in the field, conferring Lifetime Achievement Awards
upon distinguished individuals including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khan, Vice
Chancellor of University of Baltistan, Skardu, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Siddique Awan
from UAJK, Prof. Dr. Javed Iqbal Qazi from University of Punjab, Lahore, and
Prof. Dr. Nasreen Memon from University of Sindh, Jamshoro, alongside honoring
Prof. Dr. Rifaat Sultana as Zoologist of the Year 2024.
Subsequent sessions,
chaired by Prof. Dr. Anwar Al-Hassan Gilani and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Wajid,
featured enlightening discussions by renowned scholars such as Dr. Telat YANIK
from Ataturk University, Turkey, and Dr. Amael Borzee from Nanjing Forestry
University, China, covering topics ranging from fish farming to amphibian
conservation research.
The conference, hosting
presentations on various aspects of Zoology including entomology, fisheries,
environment, wildlife, and marine biology, promises to be a platform for
scholarly exchange and academic enrichment, continuing until Thursday.
