LAHORE: (Tuesday, April 21, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali has desired the establishment of a model Aquaponics site at the university to create new employment opportunities in the fisheries sector and will also contribute to the economic improvement of fish farmers.
He was addressing a one-day workshop on aquaponics organized by the Institute of Zoology at the University of the Punjab. On this occasion, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Waheed Akhtar Secretary Punjab Chapter, Pakistan Academy of Sciences Islamabad, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences Prof. Dr. Anjum Nasim Sabri, Director of Zoology Prof. Dr. Nabila Roohi, senior faculty members, representatives of various government institutions, scholars from universities, and industry representatives were present.
Addressing the ceremony, Dr Ali said that due to the modern education and training system at PU, agriculture graduates will have opportunities in entrepreneurship and advisory roles. He added that aquaponics is playing an important role in fish breeding and in increasing their weight and size rapidly. He further stated that Pakistan lacks a controlled agriculture system, whereas farmers in neighboring countries are earning millions through such systems. Unfortunately, crops are still being cultivated through flood irrigation, he added, emphasizing the need to promote sustainable agriculture.
Dr Ali also pointed out that due to water scarcity, people may migrate from cities to rural areas, and that measures must be taken to raise groundwater levels. He thanked the Pakistan Academy of Sciences for funding the workshop.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Waheed Akhtar said that the University of the Punjab will play a key role in providing aquaponics training and promoting it on a commercial basis. Dr. Nabila Roohi added that experts delivered special lectures during the workshop to train participants on various aspects of aquaponics.