Women Leaders Highlight Role of Female Professionals in Pakistan’s Agri-Livestock and Life Sciences Economy
Faisalabad-Pakistan:
International Women’s Day 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the National Incubation Center (NICF), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, where a dignified gathering of women professionals, students, and industry representatives highlighted the growing role of women in Pakistan’s agriculture, livestock, veterinary and life sciences sectors.
The event was organized by The Veterinary News & Views (VNV) in collaboration with Vet-Connect with DairyLac serving as a key supporting partner. The gathering brought together professionals from academia, government institutions, media organizations, laboratories and private industry to acknowledge women’s achievements and encourage greater participation of women in leadership and professional development.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Najma Afzal (Former Member of the Provincial Assembly) as the Chief Guest, who addressed the audience on women’s leadership, confidence and professional responsibility in modern society. She emphasized that women’s participation in education, economic activity, and public leadership is essential for Pakistan’s sustainable development.
Among the distinguished guests was Ms. Tasneem A. Jameel, Chief Manager at the Civil Aviation Authority, Faisalabad, who attended as the Guest of Honor and shared her inspiring professional journey.
The event also featured Prof. Dr. Mehr-un-Nisa (Izaz-e-Fazilat), Professor of Nutrition at Government College University Faisalabad, who spoke about the importance of education and professional dedication for women’s advancement.
Other prominent speakers included Ms. Rida Sandhu, journalist and reporter at SAMAA TV, and Dr. Rubina Anjum, Additional Director Livestock (ADL), Punjab, who also attended as Guest of Honor.
The program was hosted by Dr. Fatima Maira, and Ms. Uzma Mukhtar while Dr. Cneen Fatima Zaheer, Editor of Veterinary News & Views (VNV), and Rana Muhammad Khan were also present at the occasion.
A special message was delivered by Mr. Ammar Jaffri, former Additional Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and a pioneer of Digital Pakistan initiatives. He highlighted that empowering women is essential for building a progressive and technologically advanced society.
The event was attended by professionals from different organizations including DairyLac Pvt. Ltd., SGS Pakistan Pvt. Ltd., the Livestock & Dairy Development Department, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, GCUF, veterinary clinics, laboratories and private sector companies.
Notable participants included Zunera Atif (CEO, ZA Collection), Maryam Shahid (Sales Manager, ZA Collection), Dr. Ruby Tabassum, Dr. Fatima Maira, Rimsha Tauqeer, Dr. Ruby Tabassum, Dr Tahseen Haider , Dr. Faiza Naheed, Dr. Iqra Shaheen, Humaira Munawar, Dr Humaira bano, Dr Lubna Asharf, Dr Nuzhat Rehma, Sundus Qayyum, Dr. Iqra Shaheen, Dr. Rehana Kanwal, Amina Sabir, Umta-ur-Rehman (Al-Khidmat Foundation), Zahra Noor, Hadia, Maham Jaffar, Mariyam Ejaz, Dr. Maham Shafique, Dr. Zarva Ahsan, Rimsha Mubeen, Dr. Raheela Rehman, Tazeem Fatima, Dr. Maheen Sohail, Arooj Mudassar, Humaira Munawar, Dr. Fakhar-un-Nisa (Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, UAF), Kanza Najeeb & Mohsina Nasir (SGS Pakistan Pvt. Ltd.), Dr Iqra shaheen, Rimsha Malik, Hira Zahid, Dr. Areeqa Rehman, Dr. Kainat Zulfiqar, Farwa Farooq, Aleeza Akbar, Eman Arshad, Hafiza Arfah Eman & Hafiza Sana Arooj among many other professionals and students from the agriculture, livestock, veterinary and life sciences sectors.
Participants also included representatives from SGS Laboratory Lahore, Al-Khidmat Foundation, and various academic and professional institutions.
During the session, speakers emphasized that women possess immense leadership potential and professional capabilities that can significantly contribute to positive change in society. They encouraged young women to pursue careers with determination, integrity and confidence while playing an active role in Pakistan’s economic and social development.
The event provided a valuable platform for professional networking, knowledge sharing, and mentorship for young veterinarians and students interested in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
The gathering concluded with a collective message aligned with the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026:
“Empowered Women, Stronger Nations.”
Organizers emphasized that empowering women is essential for building progressive societies and ensuring sustainable development. The event also reflected the global campaign theme of International Women’s Day 2026 – #GiveToGain, encouraging collaboration, opportunity creation and mutual support among women professionals.
