Arid University Launches First AMR Awareness Campaign, Warns of Rising Threat of Untreatable Infections
Rawalpindi: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi has sounded a strong warning on the rapidly escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance, launching its first AAUR World AMR Awareness Campaign through the National Center of Industrial Biotechnology. The event brought together leading scientists, public health experts and students to stress that failure to act now could render common infections untreatable in the near future.
Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, who served as Chief Guest, said antimicrobial resistance is becoming one of the greatest silent threats to global health. He cautioned that without immediate coordinated action, the world could return to an era where minor injuries prove fatal. The campaign, he said, demonstrates the University’s commitment to responsible antibiotic use and empowering students with scientific understanding. He commended NCIB for initiating the effort and urged policymakers, clinicians, farmers and researchers to unite under the One Health framework.
The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy, and Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Vice Chancellor IIHIR, as Guests of Honour. Representatives from universities, healthcare institutions and research centers joined the sessions, reflecting national concern over rising AMR trends.
Keynote speakers and technical experts highlighted scientific evidence showing that antimicrobial resistance is accelerating due to misuse of antibiotics in humans, livestock and agriculture. They underscored the One Health Approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health to prevent zoonotic transmission and limit antimicrobial misuse across sectors.
Students and researchers participated in panel discussions, expert talks and an AMR-focused poster competition showcasing innovative solutions to curb the spread of resistance. The campaign also included an awareness walk led by the Vice Chancellor, where participants displayed informational placards urging responsible antibiotic practices, infection prevention and nationwide coordination.
The University stated that this campaign marks the beginning of a sustained effort to promote scientific awareness and national preparedness against one of the most pressing health challenges of the century.
Read in Urdu: بارانی زرعی یونیورسٹی راولپنڈی میں این سی آئی بی کے زیرِ اہتمام پہلی ورلڈ اے ایم آر آگاہی مہم کا انعقاد
