Capacity building imperative for improvements in public health, nutrition: VC Zulfiqar

FAISALABAD, Jul 22 (APP): University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali has said that capacity building is imperative to achieve sustainable improvements in public health and nutrition.

He was presiding over the 3rd meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC).

He reviewed progress of the project and emphasized the collective commitment of academia, development partners, and policymakers for combating malnutrition and promoting community nutrition across Pakistan.

He stressed the need to further strengthen PKNC’s digital transformation initiatives, outreach mechanisms, and marketing strategies to maximize the impact of the Center at the national level.

He said that Pak-Korea Nutrition Center has emerged as a flagship national initiative demonstrating how international collaboration, scientific research, and innovation can effectively address Pakistan’s nutrition challenges and contribute to healthier communities.

In his virtual address, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan Chairperson Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) said that universities must play a more proactive role in addressing national nutrition and food security challenges through interdisciplinary research, innovation and stronger linkages with policymakers and industry.

He said that Pak-Korea Nutrition Center has demonstrated how international collaboration could strengthen institutional capacity, generate evidence-based solutions and support nutrition initiatives. He urged higher education institutions to work collectively to translate research findings into practical interventions that improve public health and contribute to sustainable national development.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa Central Project Director PKNC briefed the Board about the strategic achievements of the project. He highlighted its contributions to strengthening national nutritional excellence, expanding research and innovation, enhancing institutional capacity, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and developing nutritious food products using indigenous resources.

Director-P&D, UAF/Project Coordinator PKNC Irfan Abbas conducted the proceedings and presented agenda of the meeting.

The board reviewed the Mid-Term Progress Report and future work plan of PKNC, appreciating the project’s remarkable achievements over the past three years.

The members were informed that PKNC has successfully trained over 12,000 frontline nutrition workers, developed more than 50 nutritious and fortified food products, established modern research and training facilities, strengthened provincial outreach centers, and awarded competitive national research, policy research, and start-up grants to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization in the food and nutrition sector.

The board also finalized the themes for Round-II Research Grants and Startups.

Eminent national and international experts including Ms. Sodam Baek, Deputy Country Director, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Pakistan; Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Chief (Nutrition), Planning Commission of Pakistan; Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akmal, Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF); Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum, former Vice Chancellor, University of Gambia; Prof. Dr. Rubina Mushtaq, Vice Chancellor, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta; Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa Hussain, Vice Chancellor, University of Home Economics, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana, Women University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, Dean, Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences (FFNHS), UAF; Prof. Dr. Sultan Habibullah Khan, Director ORIC, UAF; Dr. Hammad Badar, Director Business Incubation Center (BIC), UAF; and Dr. Shadab Shaukat from Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Balochistan graced the event.

The meeting was also attended by all Thematic Chairs of PKNC, who presented updates on their respective areas of work.