The Floral Art Workshop organized by the Landscape Studio Lab of the Department of Horticulture at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi brought students, faculty and international experts together for two days of hands-on learning titled From Stem to Style Mastering Ikebana and Fresh Floral Art for Creative Business Venture. The event aimed to combine traditional floral techniques with contemporary design and business thinking to prepare participants for creative enterprise in Pakistan’s growing floriculture sector.
Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR attended as chief guest and praised the organisers for arranging a skill-oriented programme that blends artistry with entrepreneurship. He said the Floral Art Workshop is a commendable effort to marry creativity with business acumen, encouraging students to explore both the aesthetic and commercial sides of floral design while noting that flowers contribute to environmental beauty and mental well-being.
The keynote session by Dr. Atif Riaz Qureshi an international floral design expert from Australia focused on Native Cut Flowers and Their Market in Australia and Pakistan and offered practical insights into market opportunities, supply chains and the value of native species. His presentation encouraged students to consider new market avenues and the export potential of locally grown cut flowers.
Members of the Floral Art Society of Pakistan Magnolia Chapter conducted practical demonstrations that introduced participants to contemporary arrangement techniques and Ikebana principles, providing direct hands-on training. These sessions emphasised creative refinement, sustainable use of local materials and practical skills that can be translated into small business ventures.
The Patron of the workshop Prof. Dr. Tariq Mukhtar Dean Faculty of Agriculture commended the chief organiser Dr. Usman Shoukat Qureshi and the Landscape Studio Lab for creating a platform that links art science and enterprise. Speakers underlined that while formal employment may be limited, the floral industry offers diverse business opportunities for design services, native flower cultivation and value-added products.
The two-day programme concluded with a shield and certificate distribution ceremony where participants were recognised for their creativity and active engagement. The Floral Art Workshop reinforced PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to skill development innovation and holistic student growth by equipping young graduates with both the creative techniques and entrepreneurial mindset needed to build sustainable floral businesses in Pakistan.
