“UVAS is the province’s first university of its kind, and it is critical given the region’s growing need for veterinary education,” said Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has directed that all formalities for the start of academic activities at the newly established University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) be completed as soon as possible.
“UVAS is the province’s first university of its kind, and it is critical given the region’s growing need for veterinary education,” he said, adding that the project’s completion of academic activities would not only promote innovative research techniques in this field but would also provide a solid foundation for the long-term development of all relevant sectors.
While chairing a progress review meeting for the start of classes at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the Chief Minister directed the concerned parties to bring the relevant laws and rules in line with current needs, adding that the proposed draught of the act already under consideration be finalised and submitted for approval immediately.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan, higher authorities from the Live Stock, Law, and Establishment departments, as well as other relevant officials.
It is worth noting that the newly established university will offer education and research in 20 different departments across three faculties.
Seven departments would be established under the faculty of Bio Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Fisheries, Wildlife, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology.
Similarly, the Faculty of Veterinary Science would establish nine departments, including Pathology, Microbiology, Medicine, Surgery, and Pet Sciences, while the Faculty of Animal Production and Technology would establish five departments, including Animal Nutrition, Livestock Management, Poultry Sciences, Breeding and Genetics, and the Department of Meat and Dairy Technology.
It was also stated that the relevant Livestock and Dairy Development Department institutions would be linked to the university as outreach centers. Briefing the forum on preparations for the start of classes and other university-related matters, it was stated that construction work on the university’s building is currently underway.
The Chief Minister described the university’s establishment as a necessity, noting that existing universities offer limited programmes in veterinary education while demand is much higher.
He stated that the proposed university would not only provide students with quality education and research facilities but would also serve as a watershed moment in the development of livestock and related fields.