Lahore: Provincial Minister Education Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan, accompanied by Member National Assembly Muhammad Hayat Ahmad Khan and other prominent figures, visited the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore to discuss initiatives aimed at boosting the agriculture and livestock sectors in Punjab. The visit included a meeting with UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani and senior faculty members to address the role of education and research in these critical sectors.

According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Minister Hayat emphasized the importance of the agriculture and livestock sectors as the backbone of Pakistan's economy. He highlighted the Punjab government's efforts to support these sectors by appointing Vice Chancellors on a merit basis and providing over one billion rupees in financial assistance to educational institutions. The minister also announced plans to enhance student capacity and employability at UVAS Ravi Campus Pattoki and introduced new degree programs to equip the new generation with knowledge in agriculture, animal husbandry, and food safety.

Prof Dr Masood Rabbani outlined plans to transform the university's Ravi Campus Pattoki into a tourist hub, offering educational visits related to poultry, fishery, dairy, wildlife, and food safety. He requested additional funding from the government to promote education, research, and agro-livestock tourism. Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah from Punjab University expressed a desire for collaboration between researchers of both institutions on projects related to vaccine production and product development.

During the visit, Dr Muhammad Arshad praised Minister Hayat for his role in developing the education sector in Punjab, underscoring the importance of research and innovation in resolving challenges faced by the livestock and agriculture industries.