Inauguration Ceremony

The conference was graced by the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, as the chief guest, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, as host vice chancellor. The conference also welcomed vice chancellors from various public and private sector universities across Pakistan, along with international scholars and delegates, making it a truly global and interdisciplinary gathering. Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, graced the event as chief guest, alongside Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, who hosted the conference. The event was attended by vice chancellors from leading public and private universities across Pakistan and international delegates, underscoring its global and interdisciplinary significance.

Welcome Address (Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas)

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas highlighted the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary solutions. “This conference and the newly launched centers reflect our vision to promote innovation and collaboration in addressing real-world health challenges,” he stated. “By connecting experts from medicine, veterinary sciences, agriculture, environment, and social sciences, we aim to deliver sustainable health solutions.”

Left Image
Left Image

Establishing Interdisciplinary Research Centers in Pakistan

Prof. Dr. Ihtesham Ur Rehman, Director of the newly inaugurated One Health Center, stressed the urgent need for more such centers across Pakistan to strengthen health security through collaborative research.

Right Image
Introduction to IRCOH-2025 & Pakistan One Health University Network

Prof. Dr. Zafar Hayat, Principal, College of Agriculture, provided an overview of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for One Health and the Pakistan One Health University Network, emphasizing their mission to bridge gaps between academic institutions for health research and policymaking.

Left Image

Inauguration of IRCOH

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed applauded the university’s leadership in initiating this visionary endeavor. “The One Health approach is vital in today’s world, where health threats like pandemics, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonotic diseases continue to rise,” he said. “We must embrace interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure a healthier and more resilient future for all.”

Right Image
Address of Co-founder Prof. Dr. Ahmad Raza Bilal

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Raza Bilal, Director of ORIC, underlined the importance of aligning interdisciplinary academic research with societal needs. He extended his gratitude to Chairman HEC and all esteemed guests for their participation and support.

One Health
Milestones:

In a pioneering move, the University of Sargodha launched the Interdisciplinary Research Center for One Health, established the Pakistan One Health University Network, and inaugurated the One Health Research Lab under the Belt and Road Initiative, the first of its kind in the country. These initiatives aim to foster collaborative research, diagnostics, surveillance, and policy formulation to tackle health issues at the human-animal-environment interface.

One Health Inauguration
& Partnerships

Milestone 1

Inauguration of Interdisciplinary Research Center for One Health

Milestone 2

Inauguration of One Health Lab under Road and Belt Initiative

Milestone 3

Launch of Pakistan One Health University Network

Thematical area of Research

The conference featured a series of technical sessions, panel discussions, and research presentations focusing on key global health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, food safety, climate resilience, animal welfare, diagnostics, and public health systems.

Discover Insights from Leading Voices

What Our Experts Say About the One Health Approach

Experts share valuable perspectives on the One Health approach, highlighting its significance in fostering a healthier, interconnected world.

Learn More