ISLAMABAD( WNAM REPORT): A prestigious reception was held at NARC, Islamabad in honor of Chairman PARC on being conferred with civil award “Sitara-e-Imtiaz”. The ceremony was organized by the scientists and staff of PARC and its research establishments across Pakistan. In his key address, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali emphasized that the award should not be viewed as an individual accomplishment, rather as a collective achievement of all PARC scientists and support staff. He reaffirmed his dedication to fostering innovation in agricultural research to enhance national food security. Dr. Ali urged young scientists to persist in their endeavors to safeguard national food and nutritional security, highlighting the importance of hard work as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council to the nation’s agricultural landscape. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and Government of Pakistan, for acknowledging the research contributions of the Council. He further added that we have introduced high-tech advanced agriculture research facilities at our establishments like Genomics, Aeroponics, Speed Breeding etc. to make the Council at par with international research organizations. Dr. Ali also extended his heartfelt thanks to the scientific community, support staff, and both print and electronic media for their unwavering commitment and support for spotlighting agriculture sector of Pakistan.
Speaking at the occasion, Director General NARC Dr. Shehzad Asad said that Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Ali is a role model for young scientists and researchers. Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, Member Plant Sciences said that PARC introduced more than thirty varieties in three years under the leadership of Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, which is a remarkable achievement. Secretary Council, Dr. Muhammad Ishaq said that the award is an honor for all the scientists and employees of the council. Member Finance, Mr. Saeedullah Yousafzai, Member Natural Resources Division, Dr. Shahid Maqsood Gill,Member Social Sciences, Dr. Ghulam Sadiq Afridi, Member Animal Sciences, Dr. Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, representatives of scientists, staff and retired employees of the council also congratulated Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali for securing the prestigious award and highlighted his efforts for the council and agriculture sector.
Dr. Ali’s pioneering work has led to the creation of groundbreaking initiatives like establishment of National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), the Department of Plant Genomics and Biotechnology and Pakistan’s first-ever Aeroponics and speed breeding facility. Dr. Ali also developed new crop varieties distinguished by their high yields and climate resilience including rice varieties GM ALI-5, GM ALI-76, GM ALI-48 and KM-52, wheat variety Wafaq-2023, four banana varieties namely NIGAB-1, NIGAB-2, NIGAB-3, and NIGAB-4. He successfully tested the first ginger variety at farmer’s field.
