PKNC UAF

21/07/2026

3rd Scientific Advisory Board of PKNC UAF Reviews Progress and Charts Future Roadmap for Nutrition in Pakistan

The 3rd meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) was chaired by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF), to review the progress of the project and reaffirm the collective commitment of academia, development partners, and policymakers towards combating malnutrition and promoting community nutrition across Pakistan.
The meeting was graced by eminent national and international experts, including Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Chairperson, Punja b Higher Education Commission (PHEC); Ms. Sodam Baek, Deputy Country Director, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Pakistan; Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Chief (Nutrition), Planning Commission of Pakistan; Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akmal, Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF); Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum, former Vice Chancellor, University of Gambia; Prof. Dr. Rubina Mushtaq, Vice Chancellor, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta; Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa Hussain, Vice Chancellor, University of Home Economics, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana, Women University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, Dean, Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences (FFNHS), UAF; Prof. Dr. Sultan Habibullah Khan, Director ORIC, UAF; Dr. Hammad Badar, Director Business Incubation Center (BIC), UAF; and Dr. Shadab Shaukat from Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Balochistan.
The Board reviewed the Mid-Term Progress Report and the future work plan of PKNC, appreciating the project's remarkable achievements over the past three years. Members were informed that PKNC has successfully trained over 12,000 frontline nutrition workers, developed more than 50 nutritious and fortified food products, established modern research and training facilities, strengthened provincial outreach centers, and awarded competitive national research, policy research, and start-up grants to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization in the food and nutrition sector. The Board finalized the themes for Round-II Research Grants and Startups.
Addressing the meeting, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali emphasized that capacity building remains central to achieving sustainable improvements in public health and nutrition. He stressed the need to further strengthen PKNC's digital transformation initiatives, outreach mechanisms, and marketing strategies to maximize the impact of the Center at the national level. He remarked that the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center has emerged as a flagship national initiative demonstrating how international collaboration, scientific research, and innovation can effectively address Pakistan's nutrition challenges and contribute to healthier communities.
Mr. Malik Irfan Abbas, Director-P&D, UAF/Project Coordinator PKNC, conducted the proceedings and presented the agenda of the meeting. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC, briefed the Board on the strategic achievements of the project, highlighting its contributions to strengthening national nutritional excellence, expanding research and innovation, enhancing institutional capacity, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and developing nutritious food products using indigenous resources. The meeting was also attended by all Thematic Chairs of PKNC, who presented updates on their respective areas of work.
The Scientific Advisory Board appreciated the Vice Chancellor and the dedicated efforts of the PKNC team in achieving significant progress under the project. The Board appreciated the Center's role in strengthening Pakistan's nutrition ecosystem through collaborative partnerships, scientific excellence, and comprehensive training programs, while expressing confidence that PKNC will continue to play a transformative role in improving child and community nutrition across the country.

15/07/2026

Proper handling and maintenance of analytical equipment are fundamental to generating reliable data. The PKNC encourages to ensure technical skills with international standards, safeguarding research output and institutional investment in critical assets.

The Chair, Compositional Analysis and Database of Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) has successfully concluded a comprehensive one-week training program aimed at stimulating the technical expertise of its research staff. The "PKNC Food Analytical Equipment Training" was organized under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Issa Khan, Chair of the Compositional Analysis and Database at the PKNC UAF
The closing ceremony was graced by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC as the Chief Guest. In his address, he attributed success of the event to the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF. He said, the successful ex*****on of this training program is a testament to our vision for the PKNC as a hub of excellence in nutrition science and research with continuous learning and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Issa Khan emphasized the transformative impact of the training on the center's research capabilities. He said, this training is a cornerstone of our mission to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our nutritional research, the skills acquired here will undoubtedly enhance the contributions of PKNC towards innovative research.
The technical sessions were led by internationally certified trainer Mr. Jamal Babar, who guided participants through the practical applications and upkeep of these vital scientific assets. The training was designed to disseminate critical analytical skills and serve as a refresher course for the research staff of PKNC, focusing specifically on the maintenance and operating protocols of the sophisticated equipment installed in the PKNC laboratories. Participants received hands-on instruction covering a wide spectrum of instruments, ranging from basic sample preparation tools such as pH meters, Homogenizers, Ultrasonic Bath, and Centrifuges, to advanced and specialized systems including UV-Vis Spectrophotometers, Hypercool Vacuum Concentrators, Bomb Calorimeters, and Automatic Soxhlet Extraction Units. The skills acquired here are vital to enhance the center's contributions to improving child and community nutrition across Pakistan.

10/07/2026

The Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) is advancing its public health mission through industry collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC UAF commenced a meeting with Mr. Imtiaz Bhatti, Business Manager of REANA Foods, Lahore and his team to explore future avenues in product development and food fortification. The discussions focused on translating research expertise of PKNC into fortified, value-added food products to combat micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa stated that the PKNC team is working tirelessly under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor UAF, to address malnutrition through evidence-based research and practical interventions. Mr. Imtiaz Bhatti appreciated high standards of PKNC, noting that the dedicated efforts of PKNC in promoting nutritional excellence are crucial for setting industry benchmarks.

The meeting concluded on identifying future avenues for innovation in product development and food fortification, aiming to translate cutting-edge research into tangible nutritional solutions and food security in Pakistan.

09/07/2026

PKNC Concludes Five-Day Training Program to Empower School Teachers on Child Nutrition in Remote Areas of Punjab, reaffirming its role as a pioneer in nutrition education across Pakistan.

The School Advisor Training Group of the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) successfully organized a comprehensive five-day capacity-building training program for educators from various schools across the remote areas of Punjab province.

The initiative, aimed at promoting health and nutritional awareness among school-going children, was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif, Coordinator of the School Advisor SAG PKNC UAF Training Group, PKNC UAF. The training sessions were meticulously executed in coordination with the Master Trainers Dr. Hira Iftikhar, Dr. Sana Arif, Dr. Roshina Rabail and Mr. Mueez Aslam.

In the orientation session, Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif highlighted the dedication of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC, in align the center towards impactful community outreach with the visionary support of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor, UAF, noting that the PKNC continues to set exemplary standards in nutrition science and education under his patronage.

The training covered active participation from faculty members representing a wide array of prestigious educational institutions. Teachers from Alshams School, Arqam School, Bahira School, Forces School, Islamic Science School, National School, Oriel Grammar School, Savvy School, Sir Syed School, and Spring Field School, along with several others, eagerly took part in the sessions.

The curriculum was designed to address the critical nutritional challenges faced by children. Participants were trained on advanced modules, including: Nutritional Assessment; Healthy Eating at Schools; Child Development and Nutrition; Common Nutrition Problems in School Children; Energy and Nutrient Needs; Food Safety and Hygiene and Nutrition Education Consultation

The educators were provided with hands-on experience in practical nutrition assessment techniques. They were also introduced to a series of innovative and engaging educational strategies aimed at fostering a healthier lifestyle and dietary habits among students.

The School Advisor Training Group extended its sincere gratitude to Mr. Sadaqat Hussain Khan Lodhi, Chairman of the All Pakistan Private School Alliance, for his unwavering cooperation and support in scoring this successful event. The participants highly appreciated the initiative, offering overwhelmingly positive reviews.

27/06/2026

The glimpses of National Seminar held in connection with World Food Safety Day 2026 with a theme of "From Burden to Solution" at the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

24/06/2026

Turning the burden of foodborne challenges into a solution for food security, is pivotal to ensuring a healthier future for Pakistan, the experts advocated for food safety on world food safety day.

The Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF), hosted a National Seminar to observe World Food Safety Day 2026, organized in collaboration with Nutrition International (NI) and the Punjab Food Authority (PFA). The event, held under the theme of "From Burden to Solution; Safe Food Everywhere," brought together leading academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to chart a path forward for food safety in Pakistan.

The seminar was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Prof. Dr. Asif Kamran, Registrar UAF; Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, Dean Faculty of Food Nutrition and Home Sciences; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Issa Khan, Director General, National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT) and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director PKNC. The collaborative spirit was further reinforced by the presence of Mr. Muhammad Irfan and Mr. Muzaffar Ali, Zonal Managers NI, alongside Mr. Samar Abbas, Principal Officer, and Dr. Syeda Ayesha Batool, Master Trainer at the PFA Training School Faisalabad (Fsd).

Prof. Dr. Asif Kamran, emphasized the commitment of UAF to research and development, stating, Food safety is not a regulatory burden but a fundamental solution to public health challenges. UAF is dedicated to transform our food systems from vulnerability to resilience. Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, highlighted the scientific approach to nutrition, noting, safe food is the cornerstone of a healthy society, and we are committed to driving this solution through innovation and education. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, reiterated the pivotal role of PKNC UAF, stating, PKNC is serving as a bridge between knowledge and practice in a committed approach of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor UAF. We are turning food safety standards into practical solutions with training of stakeholders and raising awareness among communities.

Representing the development partners, Mr. Muhammad Irfan remarked, Nutrition International is proud to support initiatives that prioritize the safety of food. The safe food is a prerequisite for good nutrition and economic growth. Dr. Syeda Ayesha Batool, asserted, the PFA is transforming the narrative from enforcement to implement for revolutionizing food standards in safe food.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Dr. Allah Rakha, Chair Policy Advocacy and Outreach, PKNC. He expressed profound gratitude to the notable dignitaries from stakeholders, acknowledging the collaborative spirit for achieving food safety goals. He specifically stated his appreciation to representatives from NIFSAT, IHS, and PKNC at UAF, GCUF, AARI Fsd., Social Welfare Bait-ul-Mal, District Health Authority Fsd, Aziz Flour Mills, and United Industries Pvt. Ltd.

18/06/2026

Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) stands as a testament for bridging academia and industry, the UCP students gain practical insights about State-of-the-Art facility at University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF)
A delegation of students from the University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, visited the state‑of‑the‑art Pak‑Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to explore advancements in food science and nutrition research. The study tour was supervised by Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan, Head of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at UCP, and Dr. ul Abedin, Coordinator HND.

The delegation was warmly received by Prof. Dr. Allah Rakha, Chair Policy Advocacy and Out Reach PKNC UAF along with the Master Trainers Mr. Ghayyor Sultan, Ms. Mehreen Abbas-Dietitian, and Mr. Mueez Aslam. Dr. Roshina Rabail, Ms. Mehreen Abbas, and Mr. Ghayyor Sultan briefed the students about ongoing initiatives of PKNC, carried out under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor UAF, and the dedicated supervision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC. The visitors showed deep interest in the modern facilities at the PKNC building and its cutting‑edge research laboratories, which are equipped for advanced food analysis, product development, and sensory evaluation facilities.

Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan remarked, the Pak‑Korea Nutrition Center stands as a testament for revolutionary research to tackle nutritional food security challenges. It is truly inspiring to see our students engage with world‑class research that will shape the future of food science and nutrition in Pakistan.

PKNC continues to bridge academia, industry, and community through capacity‑building programs, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy all contributing to stronger nutrition outcomes across the country. The students gained practical insights into evidence‑based interventions and left with a renewed commitment to applying research for public good.

11/06/2026

The Clinical Dietitian Training Group of the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) organized two-day specialized training program for clinical dietitians from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Central Punjab Faisalabad (UCP), Lahore. The training, held at PKNC UAF, was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Allah Rakha, Coordinator of the Clinical Dietitian Training Group, in cooperation with PKNC Master Trainers Mr. Ghayyor Sultan, Ms. Mehreen Abbas-Dietitian, and Mr. Mueez Aslam.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, in his address greatly appreciated the tireless efforts of Clinical Dietitian training group to revolutionize the existing knowledge of clinical dietitians in the country and highlighted PKNC’s ongoing initiatives to uplift nutrition habits in Pakistan. Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan, Head of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at UCP, and Dr. Zain ul Abedin, Coordinator HND, participated in the sessions and shared valuable insights regarding the extraordinary efforts of the Clinical Dietitian Training Group under the dedicated leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC, in line with the vision of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF.

The training sessions covered modules on physical and cognitive growth milestones in children, enabling dietitians to better understand developmental indicators for accurately assessing paediatric nutritional status. Participants gained deep insights into common micronutrient deficiencies in clinical settings and their role in ensuring optimal growth at different stages of life. Additional sessions focused on malnutrition care, inpatient nutritional screening tools to help dietitians rapidly identify nutritional risks among hospitalized patients, and outpatient assessment tools designed to improve nutrition evaluation, monitoring, and follow-up care. The training provided participants with practical, evidence-based knowledge to strengthen their clinical expertise.

The PKNC team expressed their appreciation for the active participation and enthusiasm shown by the UCP faculty and dietitians. In return, Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan and Dr. Zain ul Abedin, on behalf of the University of Central Punjab, lauded the exceptional efforts of the PKNC and its leadership, affirming that the training had significantly enhanced the clinical competencies of their dietitians.

05/06/2026

In a significant stride towards improving nutritional awareness and school education based health interventions, a high-level meeting was convened at the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF).
Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif, Coordinator of the School Advisor Group, chaired the session with a visiting delegation of principals from private schools located in the remote areas of Punjab. The delegation, led by Mr. Sadaqet Hussain Lodhi, Chairman of the All Pakistan Private Schools Alliance, was warmly welcomed at PKNC by the Master Trainers Dr. Roshina Rabail and Mr. Mueez Aslam.
Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif provided a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing initiatives of the School Advisor Group, under the umbrella of PKNC UAF. He highlighted the support and dynamic leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director of PKNC, and the visionary supervision of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF to work for the wellbeing of the community nutrition in the Pakistan. He added that, we are committed to translating modern nutrition research against malnutrition and unhealthy eating habits into practical school based awareness programs.
Mr. Sadaqet Hussain Lodhi expressed his appreciation for the PKNC. He said, this is a transformative moment for schools in remote areas. The facilities and expertise at PKNC are world-class, and we are eager to take these nutrition modules back to our students and the teachers.
Following the meeting, the delegation undertook an exploratory visit of the PKNC. The principals took deep interest in the state-of-the-art infrastructure of PKNC, which includes modern training rooms equipped with audio-visual learning tools and high-tech research laboratories. The collaborative session concluded with a mutual agreement to launch a pilot training program for school teachers from remote regions, with a new chapter in public-private partnership for child health and wellness in the educational institutions.

27/05/2026