The IUB, Pakistan and Tarim University, China Strengthen Research Collaboration in Horticultural Sciences

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan and Tarim University, China Strengthen Research Collaboration in Horticultural Sciences
Dr. Muhammad Azher Nawaz, Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, FA & E, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), successfully completed a week-long academic and research cooperation visit to Tarim University, Xinjiang, China. The visit was aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting collaborative research, and expanding academic exchange between the two universities.
During the visit, Dr. Nawaz represented The Islamia University of Bahawalpur at the prestigious 9th China–Eurasia Expo, where he participated alongside Prof. Yan Xiangling, President of Tarim University, university leaders, international delegates, researchers, and representatives from industry. The Expo provided an excellent platform for enhancing international cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer.
As part of the official programme, Dr. Nawaz had formal meetings with Prof. Zhang Aiping, Party Secretary of Tarim University, Prof. Yan Xiangling, President of Tarim University, Prof. Wu Cuyin, Dean, College of Horticulture, Prof. Yang Zhenchao, Vice Dean, and Dr. Liu Yifei, Leader of Protected Cultivation Systems. During these discussions, both institutions agreed to enhance academic and research cooperation, particularly in the fields of protected cultivation systems, and desert horticulture. The proposed collaboration will include joint research projects, faculty and student exchange, scientific publications, and technology transfer between Tarim University and The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.
Dr. Nawaz also delivered an invited seminar at the College of Horticulture on Vegetable Grafting, Desert Horticulture, and Protected Cultivation. The seminar attracted faculty members, researchers, and postgraduate students and was followed by an interactive discussion on future research opportunities and emerging challenges in desert horticulture. The visit also highlighted the long-standing research collaboration between Dr. Liu Yifei and Dr. Nawaz, both researchers have jointly supervised a Master's student in Horticulture studying at Tarim University and recently co-authored a research article published in the prestigious journal Scientia Horticulturae, reflecting the growing scientific partnership between the two institutions.
In addition to academic activities, the delegate visited advanced protected cultivation facilities and desert horticulture research sites in Hotan Desert region. The participants observed China's innovative greenhouse technologies and climate-smart practices, which offer valuable opportunities for adaptation in Pakistan to improve agricultural productivity under arid and semi-arid conditions.
The Vice Chancellor of IUB Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran appreciated this research exchange visit and said that IUB will further strengthen ties with the Tarim University, Xinjiang, China for joint research in the field of desert horticulture. The successful visit marks another important milestone in expanding bilateral academic collaboration and is expected to pave the way for future joint research initiatives, international publications, and institutional partnerships in horticultural sciences.