The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen scientific research, technical collaboration and regulatory oversight in Pakistan’s emerging cannabis sector.
The MoU was signed by Prof Dr Abida Raza on behalf of PMAS-AAUR and Asif Haroon, Director CCRA, on behalf of the authority. Maj Gen (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M), Director General CCRA, and Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, were also present on the occasion.
According to the press release issued on October 28, 2026, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and regulatory governance by providing reliable and evidence-based findings to support CCRA’s regulatory decision-making.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will share expertise, resources and technical knowledge to promote standardised testing, responsible research and the development of appropriate scientific and technical capacity.
The collaboration will focus on cannabinoid identification and quantification, analytical method development and validation, chemical profiling, and research into cannabis biology, genetics, biotechnology and bioactive compounds.
Maj Gen (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M), Director General CCRA, described the MoU as a defining milestone in establishing a scientifically supported framework for the emerging industrial sector. He said effective regulation must be backed by reliable scientific evidence, standardised testing and strong institutional capacity.
The key areas of collaboration include joint research on cannabis biology and biotechnology; testing and screening of plant materials, extracts and derivatives; development and validation of analytical methods; cannabinoid profiling and quantification; scientific support for regulatory decisions; and technical training to strengthen CCRA’s laboratory capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman said the agreement was an important milestone in connecting regulatory governance with scientific advancement. He said the partnership between PMAS-AAUR and CCRA represented a union of regulatory oversight and cutting-edge scientific innovation.
He added that the initiative reflected PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to applying its research capabilities to emerging national priorities and strengthening collaboration between academia and regulatory institutions.
