Department of Soil Science the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan

21/09/2026

Soil Science 😍

16/09/2026

🌱 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬! 🌱

The Soil Science Students Club, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) warmly welcomed the new students who have chosen Soil Science as their major.

On this occasion, Chairman, Department of Soil Science, Prof. Dr. Maqshoof Ahmad, welcomed the newcomers and expressed his hope that their journey in the department would be productive, inspiring, and full of learning opportunities. He emphasized that the department is committed to nurturing students as skilled researchers and professional Soil Scientists who can contribute to sustainable agriculture and play their role in ensuring food security.

The event was attended by faculty members, members of the Soil Science Students Club, and ISAs Dr. M. Asaad Bashir and Dr. Shumaila Shahid.

🌱 Your journey from a student to a Soil Scientist begins here.
🔬 Learn. Explore. Research. Contribute.

Welcome to the Department of Soil Science, IUB! 💚

14/09/2026

𝐈𝐔𝐁 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐳𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 (𝐈𝐁𝐂) 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐑𝐏𝐔-𝐇𝐄𝐂 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫

Dr. Azhar Hussain, Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur has completed project under NRPU-HEC and developed Iron Bacteria enriched Compost (IBC). As a Principal Investigator (P.I.) he won the project (20-15551) with the amount of 8.15 million PKR in 2022 under National Research Program for Universities (NRPU), Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) is completed in August 2026.

He developed a Bioactive Iron-Enriched Compost (IBC) as a sustainable biofortification technology for wheat and maize by integrating iron-rich ash, organic waste-based compost, and five novel indigenous bacterial strains with Fe, Zn and P-solubilizing and siderophore-producing capabilities.
The technology was developed through laboratory studies, field trials, and farmers’ field studies, followed by farmers’ days and participatory demonstrations to validate its effectiveness and practical applicability. Based on these evaluations. The technology will be finalized as a commercially scalable biofortification product. The project team engaged with the Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Director, ORIC, IUB and various private-sector companies through meetings and negotiations to facilitate the adoption, further improvement, and commercialization of the developed biofortification product.

The project trained one PhD Research Assistant and two MS Research Assistants, providing hands-on experience in research and laboratory activities. In addition, five MS-level research students successfully completed their degrees under the project. The project also provided essential laboratory support, strengthening research capacity, technical skills and various publications. In august 2026 HEC issued formal completion letter to Dr. Azhar Hussain for successfully completion of the project with appreciation.

Prof. Dr. Maqshoof Ahmad, Professor/Chairman, Department of Soil Science, IUB was part of project as Co-Principal Investigator -I and Dr. Muhammad Imran Principal Scientist/Associate Professor, Soil and Environment Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture & Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad was Co-Principal Investigator -II.

Esteemed academics from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, Vice Chancellor; and Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain Turabi, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment; have expressed their appreciation and pride in Dr. Azhar Hussain for the successful completion of the research project and development of the innovative biofortification product.

11/09/2026

A warm celebration and cake-cutting marked the welcome back of Dr. Azhar Hussain, Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science, to The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), following his successful completion of his Post-Doctoral Research Attachment at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia.

On this memorable occasion, Dr. Azhar Hussain was presented with a Shield of Honour in recognition of his successful academic achievement. The Shield of Honour was presented by Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain Turabi, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment, and Prof. Dr. Maqshoof Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Soil Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.

Dr. Muhammad Irfan Akram, along with various other faculty members and colleagues, was also present to share the celebrations and congratulate Dr. Azhar Hussain on his successful completion of Post-Doctoral research at UPM.

The occasion reflected the spirit of appreciation, friendship, celebration, and academic recognition among colleagues at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.

Congratulations to Dr. Azhar Hussain on this important academic achievement!

04/09/2026

🎓 Congratulations, Michael Yousaf! 🌱

Heartiest congratulations to Michael Yousaf, proud alumnus of the Department of Soil Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, on his appointment as:

*Mobile Credit Officer (MCO) — OG-III / BPS-16*
*Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL)*

Your journey from Agriculture & Soil Science to professional service in the banking sector is truly inspiring. Your academic excellence, dedication, and commitment to agriculture continue to make your alma mater proud.

🌾 *Educational Background*
🎓 B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture — IUB (2017–2021)
🎓 M.Sc. (Hons.) Soil Science — University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2021–2023)

🔬Areas of Expertise: Soil Salinity & Heavy Metals | Soil & Water Testing

💼 *Previous Experience:* Punjab Provincial Cooperative Bank Limited & Allied Bank Limited

May this new chapter bring you greater success, growth, and countless achievements. We wish you all the very best in your professional journey!

29/08/2026

25/08/2026

Dr. Azhar Hussain, Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science, was warmly welcomed back to The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) and presented with a Shield of Honour in recognition of his successful completion of Post-Doc at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia.

The Shield of Honour was presented by Prof. Dr. Maqshoof Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Soil Science; Dr. M. Faheem Mushtaq, Chairman, Department of Data Science; Dr. Muhammad Saeed Shiekh, Chairman, Department of Fiqh and Shariah; and Dr. Amjad Saeed, Director, Business Incubation Centre, on 24 August 2026.

18/08/2026

Rana Asad Jabbar, President, Young Peace and Development Corps (YPDC), IUB, and a student of the Department of Soil Science the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan , FA&E in the **URAAN Pakistan Fellowship 2026**, a week-long national youth fellowship bringing together emerging young leaders from across Pakistan.

Held under the leadership of **Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal**, the URAAN Pakistan Fellowship provided a dynamic national platform for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue, leadership development, knowledge exchange, networking, and discussions around Pakistan's development priorities.

Throughout the week-long fellowship, participants from diverse universities, provinces, and backgrounds came together under one platform, creating an environment of **learning, collaboration, cultural exchange, and national unity**. The fellowship offered participants an opportunity to broaden their perspectives, connect with fellow young leaders, understand diverse provincial experiences, and strengthen their commitment to contributing towards Pakistan's future.

Representing **The Islamia University of Bahawalpur** at such a prestigious national platform was a matter of immense pride and honour. Reflecting on the experience, Rana Asad Jabbar described the fellowship as a **transformative journey of learning, leadership, personal growth, and inspiration**, which provided valuable exposure to new ideas, diverse perspectives, and the aspirations of Pakistan's youth.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to the **Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives** for creating a platform that recognizes the potential of young Pakistanis and invests in their leadership and capacity-building.

Rana Asad Jabbar also extended his heartfelt appreciation to **The Islamia University of Bahawalpur** for providing its students with opportunities to participate in national-level programmes and represent the University beyond the classroom.

Representing IUB at URAAN Pakistan is therefore not merely an individual accomplishment—it is a **proud moment for the entire IUB community** and a reflection of the University's commitment to nurturing young people who are prepared to lead, serve, and contribute to Pakistan.

**One week. One platform. Diverse voices. One shared vision for Pakistan. 🇵🇰**

18/08/2026

Rana Asad Jabbar, President, Young Peace and Development Corps (YPDC), IUB, and a student of the Department of Soil Science the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan , FA&E in the **URAAN Pakistan Fellowship 2026**, a week-long national youth fellowship bringing together emerging young leaders from across Pakistan.

Held under the leadership of **Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal**, the URAAN Pakistan Fellowship provided a dynamic national platform for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue, leadership development, knowledge exchange, networking, and discussions around Pakistan's development priorities.

Throughout the week-long fellowship, participants from diverse universities, provinces, and backgrounds came together under one platform, creating an environment of **learning, collaboration, cultural exchange, and national unity**. The fellowship offered participants an opportunity to broaden their perspectives, connect with fellow young leaders, understand diverse provincial experiences, and strengthen their commitment to contributing towards Pakistan's future.

Representing **The Islamia University of Bahawalpur** at such a prestigious national platform was a matter of immense pride and honour. Reflecting on the experience, Rana Asad Jabbar described the fellowship as a **transformative journey of learning, leadership, personal growth, and inspiration**, which provided valuable exposure to new ideas, diverse perspectives, and the aspirations of Pakistan's youth.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to the **Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives** for creating a platform that recognizes the potential of young Pakistanis and invests in their leadership and capacity-building.

Rana Asad Jabbar also extended his heartfelt appreciation to **The Islamia University of Bahawalpur** for providing its students with opportunities to participate in national-level programmes and represent the University beyond the classroom.

Representing IUB at URAAN Pakistan is therefore not merely an individual accomplishment—it is a **proud moment for the entire IUB community** and a reflection of the University's commitment to nurturing young people who are prepared to lead, serve, and contribute to Pakistan.

**One week. One platform. Diverse voices. One shared vision for Pakistan. 🇵🇰**

18/08/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐳𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐃𝐨𝐜 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 (𝐐𝐒 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟏𝟑𝟖𝐭𝐡).