Pictorial 28
International Cotton Conference 2025 Concludes at CEMB with a Call for Global Collaboration in Cotton Research
October 8, 2025 — The two-day International Cotton Conference 2025 concluded successfully at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, with an engaging closing ceremony chaired by Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, former Federal Minister for Food Security, Founding Director General of NIBGE and President of Pakistan Academy of Sciences. Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman (Director CEMB), Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan), Dr. Qaiser Rashid (CEO, Robert Cotton Association), and Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao (Conference Focal Person) joined the chair.
Welcoming the audience, Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman expressed gratitude to the chief guest, national and international participants, industry representatives, and students for their active participation. He emphasized that the conference was a humble yet significant effort to bring together scientists, industrialists, and farmers to discuss and address the challenges faced by Pakistan’s cotton industry.
International delegates shared their insights and experiences during the session. Dr. Dilnur from Kazakhstan appreciated the diversity of research showcased at the event and highlighted the opportunity for future collaborations, noting that traditional cotton practices in her country could benefit from advanced technologies presented at the conference. Dr. Cuma from Türkiye underscored the importance of adopting sustainable breeding tools to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses, emphasizing that “with the right techniques, cotton breeding can progress from seed to seed up to four generations per year.” Dr. Fakhre Alam Ibn-e-Tabib from Bangladesh expressed his pleasure in visiting Pakistan, calling it “a learning and brotherly experience,” while Dr. Fakhriddin from Uzbekistan reiterated the shared agricultural goals between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, urging joint efforts to find practical solutions for cotton production challenges.
The poster competition results were also announced during the ceremony. Out of 15 selected posters, Dr. Mehboob ur Rehman’s poster won first position, while in the CEMB category, the first position was jointly shared by Ms. Huda Rehman and Ms. Sehar Sadaqat. The evaluation jury included Dr. Raufa Mammadova, Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig, and Dr. Fakhre Alam.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik commended the organizers for hosting a full house on the final day of the conference and appreciated the scientific depth of the articles and posters presented. “It is heartening to see young researchers, scientists, and industry experts come together under one roof. This is the true advantage of globalization, collaboration beyond borders,” he remarked. He also emphasized the need for governments in the region to create an enabling environment for research and innovation to strengthen the cotton sector.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Allah Bakhsh expressed appreciation to the chief guest, international delegates from Bangladesh, Central Asia, China, Australia, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, as well as local participants from academia, industry, and farming communities. He extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Moazur Rahman, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao, and the entire organizing committee for their tireless efforts. During the award distribution ceremony, Dr. Sana Zulfiqar received the award on behalf of Prof. Mehboob ur Rehman, while Dr. Naila and Mr. Awais received the award for Ms. Huda Rehman. Ms. Sehar Sadaqat personally received her award. Souvenirs were also distributed to representatives of sponsor organizations, including Tara Group, Evyol Group, Neelum Seeds, Lucky Core Industries, Guard Seeds, Rachna Agribusiness, Atta Seeds, and Worldwide Scientific.
In recognition of their contributions, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao (Focal Person), Dr. Bushra Rashid (Conference Coordinator), and Dr. Allah Bakhsh (Focal Person) received appreciation awards. Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman, as Patron of the Conference, received a special souvenir from the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik was presented with a token of gratitude by the Director CEMB. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig and Dr. Qaiser Rashid were also honored as Guests of Honor.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph capturing the spirit of collaboration and commitment toward revitalizing Pakistan’s cotton industry through science and innovation.
Welcoming the audience, Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman expressed gratitude to the chief guest, national and international participants, industry representatives, and students for their active participation. He emphasized that the conference was a humble yet significant effort to bring together scientists, industrialists, and farmers to discuss and address the challenges faced by Pakistan’s cotton industry.
International delegates shared their insights and experiences during the session. Dr. Dilnur from Kazakhstan appreciated the diversity of research showcased at the event and highlighted the opportunity for future collaborations, noting that traditional cotton practices in her country could benefit from advanced technologies presented at the conference. Dr. Cuma from Türkiye underscored the importance of adopting sustainable breeding tools to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses, emphasizing that “with the right techniques, cotton breeding can progress from seed to seed up to four generations per year.” Dr. Fakhre Alam Ibn-e-Tabib from Bangladesh expressed his pleasure in visiting Pakistan, calling it “a learning and brotherly experience,” while Dr. Fakhriddin from Uzbekistan reiterated the shared agricultural goals between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, urging joint efforts to find practical solutions for cotton production challenges.
The poster competition results were also announced during the ceremony. Out of 15 selected posters, Dr. Mehboob ur Rehman’s poster won first position, while in the CEMB category, the first position was jointly shared by Ms. Huda Rehman and Ms. Sehar Sadaqat. The evaluation jury included Dr. Raufa Mammadova, Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig, and Dr. Fakhre Alam.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik commended the organizers for hosting a full house on the final day of the conference and appreciated the scientific depth of the articles and posters presented. “It is heartening to see young researchers, scientists, and industry experts come together under one roof. This is the true advantage of globalization, collaboration beyond borders,” he remarked. He also emphasized the need for governments in the region to create an enabling environment for research and innovation to strengthen the cotton sector.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Allah Bakhsh expressed appreciation to the chief guest, international delegates from Bangladesh, Central Asia, China, Australia, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, as well as local participants from academia, industry, and farming communities. He extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Moazur Rahman, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao, and the entire organizing committee for their tireless efforts. During the award distribution ceremony, Dr. Sana Zulfiqar received the award on behalf of Prof. Mehboob ur Rehman, while Dr. Naila and Mr. Awais received the award for Ms. Huda Rehman. Ms. Sehar Sadaqat personally received her award. Souvenirs were also distributed to representatives of sponsor organizations, including Tara Group, Evyol Group, Neelum Seeds, Lucky Core Industries, Guard Seeds, Rachna Agribusiness, Atta Seeds, and Worldwide Scientific.
In recognition of their contributions, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao (Focal Person), Dr. Bushra Rashid (Conference Coordinator), and Dr. Allah Bakhsh (Focal Person) received appreciation awards. Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman, as Patron of the Conference, received a special souvenir from the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik was presented with a token of gratitude by the Director CEMB. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig and Dr. Qaiser Rashid were also honored as Guests of Honor.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph capturing the spirit of collaboration and commitment toward revitalizing Pakistan’s cotton industry through science and innovation.