Punjab Government decided to set up a modern 'Veterinary and Animal Sciences University' over one thousand acres in Bahawalpur and the site has been identified for this purpose. The project will be completed with the co-operation of Seluck University of Turkey in one year. Modern veterinary courses will be conducted for the youth at this university.
This was announced by the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif while presiding over a high level meeting regarding livestock and dairy development sectors here on Friday. Shahbaz also announced that a livestock company will be set up in Punjab for livestock and dairy development. Livestock and dairy sector is the backbone of national economy and it can be strengthened with the co-operation of private sector. He said Punjab government has adopted an effective strategy for the uplift of livestock sector as it can help overcome poverty and unemployment. He said a large portion of rural population is associated with livestock and dairy development and rural economy can be uplifted through development of this sector. He said 100 percent vaccination of livestock is essential for its protection against diseases.
The Chief Minister constituted a committee headed by Chief Secretary for livestock and dairy development and directed the committee to submit a comprehensive action plan within a week for the development of livestock sector. He directed that services of international consultants be acquired for the implementation of vaccination project, establishment of the university in Bahawalpur and implementation of the programmes aimed at facilitating small livestock farmers. He said modern technology should be utilised for the development of livestock and dairy farming. Livestock experts who had visited Turkey informed the meeting about their experiences and knowledge gained during the visit and said an agreement has been reached with Seluck University of Turkey for its assistance in the establishment of the modern veterinary university in Bahawalpur. Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah Khan, Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique, Iqbal Channar, Advisor on Livestock Chaudhry Arshad Jatt, Members Provincial Assembly, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, secretaries of various departments, concerned officials as well as livestock experts attended the meeting.