Pakistani Professor Wins Global Honour for Date Palm Research
— March 2, 2025
KHAIRPUR (AIA) Dr Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, a distinguished professor and former director of the Date Palm Research Institute (DPRI) at Shah Abdul Latif University in Khairpur, has been awarded the prestigious Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation (KIADPAI) in its 17th edition for 2025.
Dr Markhand received the award in the “Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation” category, becoming the first Pakistani to achieve this honour.
The award recognises outstanding contributions to date palm cultivation and agricultural innovation worldwide. Dr Markhand’s groundbreaking research and leadership at the DPRI have played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural practices in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, congratulated Dr Markhand, stating that this achievement not only elevates Pakistan’s global standing but also underscores the importance of scientific innovation in addressing pressing challenges like climate change, food security, and sustainable development.