Dr. Aayesha Riaz, Associate Professor at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), has earned three prestigious international certifications from the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), underscoring her commitment to advancing biosafety and biosecurity standards in Pakistan. Recognized in Biorisk Management, Biosecurity, and Biological Waste Management, Dr. Riaz is among a select group of only 50 professionals nationwide to hold these credentials, marking a significant milestone in her career and for the university.
The certifications were officially presented to Dr. Aayesha Riaz by Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, who commended her expertise and dedication in a formal ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman highlighted that Dr. Riaz’s achievements not only reflect her personal pursuit of excellence but also elevate the standing of the university in the specialized domains of biosafety and biosecurity. He further emphasized the importance of having faculty members of such caliber contributing to strengthening global standards.
The IFBA certification program is recognized worldwide for its strict adherence to ISO/IEC 17024:2012 guidelines, ensuring that certified professionals demonstrate comprehensive competencies essential for managing and mitigating biosafety and biosecurity risks. Through her successful completion of these certifications, Dr. Riaz has demonstrated her capability to safely and securely handle biological materials and promote best practices in biological risk management.
Dr. Aayesha Riaz expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his unwavering support and inspirational leadership. She credited his guidance as a significant factor in her achievement and reaffirmed her commitment to furthering the university’s position as a center of excellence in biosafety, biosecurity, and scientific leadership at both national and international levels.
