Entomological Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad

Dr. Muhammad Saleem (Senior Scientist) and Ms Ayesha Iftikhar (Scientific Officer) distributed internship certificates among the students of 8th semester BSc (Hons) Agri. Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, on the successful completion of their internship.
The occasion marked an appreciation of the students dedication, hard work and commitment throughout the internship period. Best wishes were extended to all students for their bright future and professional success ahead.

Mr. Imran Ali, Scientific Officer, awarded the internship completion certificate to Mr. Ali Hussnain, a student of BSc (Hons) Agricultural Entomology at University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
The certificate was presented in recognition of his dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout the internship period. Congratulations and best wishes for a bright future and continued success ahead.

Dr. Shamim Akhtar (Principal Scientist) awarded the internship completion certificate to Mr. Arslan Yousef, a student of BSc (Hons) Agricultural Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
The certificate was presented in recognition of dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout the internship period. Congratulations and best wishes for a bright future and continued success.

Certificates were distributed by Madam Naima Din, Senior Scientist, to the internees after successful completion of their internship training at Entomological Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad.

Dr. Muhammad Saleem (Senior Scientist) and Ms Ayesha Iftikhar (Scientific Officer) distributed internship certificates among the students of BSc (Hons) Agri. Entomology, UAF Constituent College, Depalpur Okara, on the successful completion of their internship.
The occasion marked an appreciation of the students dedication, hard work and commitment throughout the internship period. Best wishes were extended to all students for their bright future and professional success ahead.

Dr. Dilbar Hussain (Principal Scientist) and his team awarded the internship completion certificate to Mr. Hussain Chaudhry, student of BSc (Hons) Agri. Entomology, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
This certificate was presented in recognition of his dedication, commitment and hardworking throughout the internship period. Congratulations to Mr. Hussain Chaudhry on this achievement, with best wishes for his bright future and continued success.

Dr. Arshed Makhdoom Sabir briefed Prof. Dr. Kafeel Ahmad (Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences & Technology), Baba Guru Nanak University, Nankana Sahib, on the institute’s major research initiatives and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies aimed at managing insect pests of crops, fruits, and vegetables through sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches. The discussion highlighted the use of biological control, pest surveillance, and judicious pesticide application to keep pest populations below the economic injury level. Dr. Kafeel Ahmad appreciated the institute’s high research standards, modern scientific methodologies, and valuable contributions toward sustainable agricultural development and farmer-oriented research.

The worthy Chief Scientist, Dr. Sajid Ur Rehman, visited the Entomological Research Institute and visited its major laboratories, including the Parthenium Biocontrol Lab, Trichogramma Rearing Lab, Honey Testing Lab, Mealybug Biocontrol Lab, and Insect Molecular Lab. During the visit, the ongoing research activities, achievements, and scientific advancements of the institute were thoroughly reviewed.

Dr. Arshed Makhdoom Sabir, Chief Scientist (Entomology), provided a comprehensive briefing on the institute’s current research projects, research priorities, and future initiatives. The worthy Chief Scientist highly appreciated the dedication, innovation, and scientific contributions of the research teams and encouraged them to continue their valuable efforts toward the promotion of sustainable agriculture and scientific development.

A high-level meeting on “Implementation of Pesticide Residue Management Strategy for Rice Crop, 2026”, was held under the chairmanship of the Honourable Shabeer Ahmed Khan, Additional Secretary (Task Force), Government of the Punjab. The meeting brought together representatives from government departments, research organizations, exporters, industry stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to review ongoing initiatives and formulate a comprehensive strategy for the upcoming rice crop season.

During the meeting, Dr. Amer Rasul highlighted the remarkable success achieved during the previous year through coordinated efforts of the Government of the Punjab and all stakeholders in addressing pesticide residue issues in rice. He briefed the participants on the mitigation measures adopted at different stages of the supply chain, including awareness campaigns for farmers, implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), rational use of pesticides, monitoring of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), and improved surveillance and enforcement mechanisms. He emphasized that these collective efforts significantly contributed to reducing export consignments’ interceptions in international markets and helped improve the reputation of Pakistani rice globally.

The participants extensively discussed the action plan for the upcoming rice crop season, focusing on strengthening residue monitoring systems, farmer capacity building, traceability mechanisms, integrated pest management (IPM), safe pesticide application practices, and improved coordination among public and private sector stakeholders. The importance of harmonizing local agricultural practices with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards was also stressed to ensure sustainable access to premium export markets.

Dr. Qurban Ali, Chief Scientist (HQ), Office of the Chief Scientist Agricultural Research, proposed that the Government should comprehensively document and elaborate the economic impact of the entire residue management exercise undertaken by all stakeholders. He stated that presenting quantitative evidence regarding increased export earnings, reduced interceptions, improved market access, and enhanced consumer confidence would effectively demonstrate the significance of the Punjab Agriculture Department’s regulatory interventions and mitigation measures implemented from “farm to fork” level.

Dr. Arshed Makhdoom Sabir, Chief Scientist highlighted that, in addition to pesticide residue and aflatoxin management, Pakistan must also address phyto- sanitary risks associated with stored grain insect pests to further strengthen the competitiveness of Pakistani rice in international markets. He emphasized that adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), proper storage management, and compliance with international phytosanitary requirements can substantially minimize interceptions and rejections of rice consignments, particularly in export destinations such as Europe and the United States.

The Chair acknowledged the dedicated efforts and valuable contributions of all stakeholders, particularly Pakistan Crop Protection Association, CropLife Pakistan, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the Punjab Agriculture Department, research institutions, and industry representatives for their continued collaboration in promoting safe, sustainable, and export-oriented agricultural practices.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collectively for ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with international quality standards to enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural commodities, particularly rice, in international markets.

The worthy Director General | Chief Scientist Agri. (Research), Dr. Sajid-ur-Rahman warmly welcomed Prof. Dr. Zeliha Selamoglu, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir yh y University, Türkiye. He briefed the salient research endeavors and their adoption at the farmers' level, which not only secured the food basket of the nation in one hand but also played a pivotal role in uplifting the socio- economic status of the farmers.