Rawalakot: A delegation of scholars from the Botany Department of Poonch University participated in a prestigious international conference held at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan, focusing on innovative uses of plants for health and food preservation. The event drew experts from around the globe, discussing cutting-edge research and applications in botany.

According to University of Poonch Rawalakot, the conference featured a diverse lineup of academicians from not only Pakistan but also Britain, Germany, Japan, and Turkey. Dr. Khawaja Shafiq, Chairman of the Botany Department at Poonch University, and Assistant Professor Dr. Ansar Mehmood led the university’s representation. They actively participated in various technical sessions, including one presided over by Dr. Shafiq and Dr. Elsem Mehmood on the topic of metal nanoparticles in sustainable agriculture.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation by Ayesha Khurshid, an M.Phil scholar from the same department, who delved into the traditional use of herbal teas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Her research underscored the relevance of integrating traditional botanical knowledge with modern scientific techniques to enhance health benefits and sustainability.

The conference also served as a platform for future academic planning, with the General Body Council deciding that the 10th International Conference of the Pakistan Botanical Society in 2025 will be co-hosted by Jamia Poonch Rawalakot alongside other Azad Kashmir universities.