Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman

Vice Chancellor
PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi

Prior to joining Dalhousie, Dr. Zaman was serving into his third research venture in Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan under JSPS program.

Educationists in Pakistan have shown their trust in the leadership of Dr. Zaman. “He joins PMAS-AAUR at a time of tremendous momentum: record enrolment and fundraising, significant renewal of the university’s campuses and a strong leadership team in place across the university,” says Dr. Khalid Mahmood Khan – Ex Vice-Chancellor, who served PMAR-UAAR for over 10 years. “Under Dr. Zaman’s leadership, I’m certain these successes will be just a taste of what PMAS-AAUR third decade has in store”, he added.

He also sees PMAS-AAUR as a “rising star” in mission-oriented research — but one which puts students at the forefront of that mission. “Students are at the heart of the raison d’être of a university,” he says.

“Building upon PMAS-AAUR’s national and international reputation for rich student experience, I look forward to a deep engagement with students, faculty, staff and community to position PMAS-AAUR as the national leader in delivering value to our students and offering a transformative educational and life experience on our campuses.”

Dr. Aamir Nabi Rana

Director General
Arid Institute of Sciences

The mission of AIS is to “inspire, prepare, and empower students to succeed in a changing world.” Our shared vision is to be recognized as “a national leader in transforming lives through an innovative, rigorous, and compassionate approach to education.” It is my great privilege to work and learn alongside you each day as we strive to fulfill this mission and to live into this vision.

We are a tremendously rich and diverse community, composed of individuals from widely varied backgrounds, experiences, and gifts. Our ability to fulfill our mission and to live into our vision rests on our 

creating an environment that is welcoming and accepting of differences, and in which every person’s contribution and perspective is heard and valued. While we do not all share the same beliefs, experiences, and perspectives, I believe that we can honor, respect, and seek to understand one another.

In fact, I expect that we as a community will do so. Our goal should not be to homogenize our community, but rather to foster deeper understanding, to build bonds, and to increase our effectiveness in working across cultures and beliefs. And we must do so within a context of trust and graciousness; not one of blame and shaming. Each of us plays an important role in creating and maintaining this environment.

As Chairman, I believe it is important for you to know that I recognize, support, and value the perspectives, experiences, and contributions of people of all Origins and Ages.

I am committed to working with you to create, maintain, and enhance an environment conducive to the learning and growth of all students, faculty and staff. I continue to actively discuss this with my administration and leaders from across the campus, and urge each of them to reflect upon how their communications and actions demonstrate their commitment to this work and impact our environment. As an educational institution we have a unique opportunity to create and nurture an environment that encourages and embraces a wide breadth of ideas and beliefs. This work belongs to us all–it is a shared responsibility. While Institute leaders must set the tone and model their commitment to this work, each of us impacts our environment through our daily interactions with our students and one another.

Please join me in working together in an open, honest, and trusting manner to build the AIS environment where all students, faculty, and staff are valued and can thrive.