In an innovative mission to champion the cause of camel welfare and nurture global cooperation, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan had the honor of hosting an esteemed delegation of foreign scientists from September 29 to October 09, 2023.
Distinguished Guests from Afar The event welcomed three renowned foreign scientists:
- Prof Dr Barbara Padalino from the University of Bologna, Italy
- Dr Patrick Meyer Glitza from Animal Angels Germany
- Dr Naod Thomas Masebo hailing from Ethiopia and currently affiliated with the University of Bologna, Italy.
Their visit was orchestrated through the gracious invitation of Dr Asim Faraz, Assistant Professor at the Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan. Dr. Asim Faraz, also the Secretary General of the Camel Association of Pakistan (CAP) and Pakistan Camel Club (PCC), President of the Camel Society of Pakistan (CSP), and Executive Member and PRO of the International Society of Camelids Research and Development (ISOCARD), played a pivotal role in facilitating this remarkable exchange.
A Pioneering Mission in Camel Welfare The focal point of this endeavor was the first-ever Camel Welfare Assessment in Pakistan, centered primarily in the captivating Cholistan Desert. The visiting scientists undertook a comprehensive appraisal of Pakistan’s invaluable camel genetic resources.
International Orientation Event To complement this pioneering mission, an International Orientation Event themed “A Dialogue Between the Teachers and The Taught” took place on October 02, 2023, in the Faculty of Veterinary Science Seminar Hall at BZU. The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool (SAWW).
Global Representation and Impact During the dialogue, attendees delved into the role of camels, contributions of relevant organizations, and the representation of the Department of Livestock and Poultry Production (DLPP), BZU, in various international forums, including Morocco, Qatar, Dubai, Kyrgyzstan, Inner Mongolia China, KSA, and the forthcoming representation in Kathmandu, Nepal on October 05-06, 2023.
Insights and Wisdom The event featured enlightening discussions by key figures:
- Dr Abdul Waheed, Chairman of the Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, shared insights into camel welfare and pertinent research.
- Prof Dr Muhammad Uzair, Acting Vice-Chancellor, offered valuable wisdom about the therapeutic use of camel milk, particularly in the context of cancer patients.
Sharing Global Expertise Distinguished foreign scientists, including Prof Barbara Padalino, Dr Patrick Meyer, and Dr Naod Thomas, shed light on camel welfare, behavior, and the development of related protocols in various countries, such as KSA, Egypt, Qatar, and now Pakistan. They expressed their deep appreciation for the hospitality and security extended by Pakistan during their stay.
Cultural Exchange and Mutual Agreements The event featured a ceremony characterized by the exchange of cultural gifts, including traditional Ajraks. A mutual agreement was signed during a formal ceremony.
Technical Insights and Certifications The technical session featured presentations by the foreign scientists, who elaborated on camel welfare, behavior, protocol assessments, and their experiences in different countries, including Pakistan. The session also highlighted the role of Animal Angels from Germany in promoting camel welfare.
A Gracious Farewell The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Abdul Waheed and Prof Dr Tanveer Ahmed, Chairmen of DLPP and Clinical Sciences. Certificates were awarded to students and organizers, marking their valuable contributions.
Dinner with the Vice Chancellor A warm dinner hosted by the Vice-Chancellor of Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali (T.I. S.I.), served as a delightful culmination of the event.
Exploration and Departure During their visit, the foreign scientists explored the enchanting Cholistan Desert and the vibrant city of Multan, visiting historical sites and markets. On October 9, they departed for their homelands, carrying cherished memories of their time in Pakistan.
Stay tuned for more updates and collaborations as we continue our journey towards promoting camel welfare, eco-justice, and sustainable research on a global scale.
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