Department of Botany, UAJ&K

17/04/2026

17/04/2026

Join the Talent Hunt Programme by HEC Pakistan & PIEAS!

Get a chance to win fully funded training, international science Olympiad participation, admission to PIEAS & IST without entrance tests, up to 100% fee waiver, monthly scholarship, and cash prizes.

Apply before May 30, 2026.

Register now at stem.edu.pk or scan the QR code.

11/04/2026

🎓 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐔𝐀𝐉𝐊

UAJK is pleased to announce its 22nd Convocation to be held in May 2026. Graduates are invited to apply and be part of this prestigious milestone celebrating academic excellence and achievement.

Apply before the deadline and join us in honoring your success!

For details and registration, visit: www.uajk.edu.pk

🎓✨

11/04/2026

📢 Revised Schedule Announcement – INCPS-2026

The 10th International & 19th National Conference of Plant Scientists (INCPS-2026) is scheduled to be held from July 27th – 29th, 2026 at the Department of Botany, The University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad.

🌿 Theme:
Botanical Approaches for Sustainable Food Security in Changing Climate

🔬 Conference Themes Include:
Plant Physiology | Biochemistry | Taxonomy | Algae & Fungi | Ecology | Biodiversity | Genetics & Genomics | Ethnobotany | Phytochemistry | Agriculture & Forestry

📝 Abstract Submission Deadline (Revised):
📅 June 15th, 2026

📩 Abstract Acceptance Intimation:
📅 June 15th, 2026

🔗 Registration & Submission:
https://incps.uajk.edu.pk
📧 [email protected]

📍 Venue:
Department of Botany,
The University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Muzaffarabad, AJK

We warmly invite researchers, academicians, and professionals to participate and contribute to this important scientific gathering.

🌱 Join us in shaping sustainable solutions for future food security!

11/03/2026

𝐔𝐀𝐉𝐊 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟔

University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has announced that all academic activities and classes will be conducted online with effect from March 16, 2026.

The schedule and modalities for online classes will be finalized by the respective Heads of Departments in consultation with the concerned Deans.

Students are advised to stay in contact with their respective departments for updates regarding class schedules and online platforms.

09/03/2026

Big thanks to Rub Mughal, Nasir Ahmed Khan, Aneeta Aslam Tanoli, Kamran Khan, Shujah Abbasi, Tariq Saifullah, Aamir Arshid, Nazoo Khan, Khawaja Mudassar, قاسم کھٹانہ, Umme Arham, Muqadas Prince, WaSif Ali CHaudhary, Peerzada Anwar Ul Haq, Waqas Qureshi, Shahzaib Chughtai, Fatima Abbasi, Tajmal Kayani

for all of your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

09/02/2026

Seminar on "From Classroom to Field: Applied Botany for a Sustainable Future

Today (on 09-02-2026), the Department of Botany at the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir proudly organized a highly successful and intellectually stimulating academic seminar bringing together renowned botanists, researchers, faculty members, alumni, and a large number of enthusiastic students from across Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The seminar witnessed a strong academic presence from University of Poonch Rawalakot and University of Kotli, along with active participation from colleges including Degree College Abbaspur, Degree College Hajira, Boys Postgraduate College Bagh, Girls Postgraduate College Muzaffarabad, Boys Inter College Anwar Sharif, and Boys Postgraduate College Muzaffarabad. The Department of Botany extends special gratitude to the faculty and students of these institutions whose energetic participation significantly enriched the seminar. Their keen interest, thoughtful interactions, and commitment to learning were truly commendable.
The academic sessions featured a series of insightful invited talks.
Dr. Khawaja Shafiq Ahmed (Chairman, Department of Botany, University of Poonch Rawalakot) delivered an inspiring lecture on “Career Opportunities in Botany”, highlighting the vast scope and global relevance of botanical sciences.
Dr. Ansar Mahmood (Associate Professor, University of Poonch Rawalakot) presented a thought-provoking talk on “Recent Trends in Botany”, focusing on modern research directions and emerging scientific challenges.
Dr. Tariq Saifullah from the University of Kotli discussed the socio-economic contribution of mushrooms and mushroom cultivation, emphasizing their potential for sustainable livelihoods and economic uplift.
Representing the host institution, Dr. Raja Waqar Ahmad Khan delivered an engaging presentation on climate–plant interactions and species distribution modeling, while also highlighting the ongoing research activities of the Department of Botany at UAJK.

The seminar formally commenced with a welcome address by the Chairman, Department of Botany, Dr. Muhammad Ijaz-Ul-Islam Dar, who warmly received all participants. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Humayun Shaheen, who, along with his colleagues, played a pivotal role in the planning and successful ex*****on of the seminar. The organizing efforts of Dr. Humayun Shaheen, Dr. Waseem Akhtar, Dr. Ijaz-Ul-Islam Dar, Dr. Tariq Habib, Dr. Rizwan Taj Khan, Dr. Rizwan Sarwar, Dr. Sidra Qayyum, and the dedicated MPhil and PhD scholars are highly appreciated.

During the seminar break, participants were given the opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art scientific equipment and research laboratories at King Abdullah Campus, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The visitors highly appreciated the modern facilities, advanced instrumentation, and the quality of research being conducted in the Department of Botany. This visit provided valuable exposure to students and faculty alike and showcased the university’s strong commitment to research excellence.

Special acknowledgment is extended to Prof. Irfan from Degree College Abbaspur for displaying valuable botanical products, and to Mr. Yasir Saeed (Lecturer, Degree College Hajira) along with his students who traveled from a distant area to participate and learn. The Department is also thankful to the faculty and students of Girls and Boys Postgraduate Colleges Muzaffarabad for their active and meaningful participation.
The presence of a large number of department alumni, currently serving in various academic institutions and professional sectors, added further strength and inspiration to the event. The closing ceremony was honored by the presence of the Director Campus, Prof. Dr. Ayaz Arif Khan, who appreciated the collective efforts of the organizers and participants and congratulated the Department on the successful organization of the seminar.

The Department of Botany sincerely thanks all invited speakers, collaborating institutions, local colleges, faculty members, students, alumni, and organizers for making this seminar a memorable and impactful academic activity. 🌿

03/02/2026

🌿 One-Day Seminar | Department of Botany, University of AJK 🌿
The Department of Botany, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (UAJK) is pleased to announce a One-Day Seminar titled:
🌱 “From Classroom to Field: Applied Botany for a Sustainable Future”
📌 Theme: Connecting knowledge, nature, and society
📅 Date: Monday, 09 February 2026
📍 Venue: Department of Botany, King Abdullah Campus (Chatter Klass), University of AJK, Muzaffarabad
🔬 About the Seminar
This seminar is designed to highlight the practical and applied dimensions of Botany, bridging theoretical classroom learning with real-world, field-based applications. The sessions will focus on key contemporary issues such as plant diversity, climate change, conservation, and sustainable development, with special emphasis on the role of students and youth in building a sustainable future.
🌍 The activity aims to promote applied learning, field-oriented understanding, and awareness of emerging environmental challenges among Botany students and faculty, fostering a deeper connection between academic knowledge and societal needs.
📞 Contact Details:
📱 Phone: +92 5822 962316
📧 Email: [email protected]
✨ All students and faculty members are encouraged to participate and make this academic event a meaningful success.

28/01/2026

📢 M.Phil Thesis Defense Success: Mapping the Future of Parasitic Plants 🌿🔍
​The Department of Botany at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), Muzaffarabad, is delighted to announce the successful M.Phil thesis defense of Faria Naseem Abbasi (Session 2023-2025). Her research provides critical insights into the ecological future of one of Pakistan's most widespread parasitic plants.
​🔬 Research Spotlight
​Title: Predicting the Potential Distribution of Holoparasitic Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in Pakistan under Changing Climate
​Faria’s study utilizes advanced Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) to forecast how global warming and changing precipitation patterns will influence the spread of Cuscuta reflexa. As a holoparasite (a plant that lacks chlorophyll and depends entirely on its host), this species poses a unique threat to biodiversity and agriculture.
​🎓 Academic Mentorship & Evaluation
​This scholarly work was completed under the dedicated supervision of:
​Supervisor: Dr. Raja Waqar Ahmed Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, UAJK.
​External Examiner: Dr. Sami Ullah Khan, Department of Botany, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh.
​🌍 Why This Research is Vital
​As the climate shifts, the "biological frontiers" of invasive and parasitic species are moving. Faria's research is essential for:
​Agricultural Security: Identifying regions where crops may be at higher risk of infestation.
​Forest Management: Understanding the threat to woody vegetation in Pakistan's northern and central regions.
​Climate Adaptation: Providing a scientific roadmap for conservationists to mitigate the spread of parasitic threats under future climate scenarios.
​Department of Botany extend their heartiest congratulations to Faria Naseem Abbasi on this academic milestone. We are proud of our researchers who continue to push the boundaries of botanical science to protect our natural heritage! 🌟👏
​

28/01/2026

📢 Thesis Defense Success: Climate Change & Conservation 🌲
​The Department of Botany is proud to announce the successful M.Phil thesis defense of Tayyaba Bashir (Session 2023-2025). Her research addresses one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: the survival of Pakistan’s high-altitude flora in a warming world.
​🔬 Research Spotlight
​Title: Habitat Suitability Analysis of Abies pindrow in Pakistan in the Context of Climate Change Scenarios
​Tayyaba’s work focuses on Abies pindrow (commonly known as the West Himalayan Fir or Pindrow Fir), a cornerstone species of our mountain ecosystems. By utilizing advanced ecological modeling, her study predicts how shifting temperature and precipitation patterns will impact the natural range of this majestic conifer.
​🎓 Academic Mentorship
​This rigorous research was conducted under the expert guidance of:
​Supervisor: Dr. Hamayun Shaheen (UAJK), a leading voice in Himalayan ecology.
​External Examiner: Dr. Zahidullah (Department of Botany, University of Swat), whose presence added invaluable perspective to the evaluation.
​🌍 Why This Matters
​As climate change alters the landscape of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Northern Pakistan, understanding where species like Abies pindrow can survive is crucial for:
​Reforestation Strategies: Identifying "climate refugia" where the species will thrive in the future.
​Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting the watersheds and wildlife habitats that depend on these forests.
​Policy Making: Providing data-driven insights for environmental management.
​Hearty congratulations to Tayyaba Bashir on this milestone! We wish her the very best in her future academic and professional endeavors as she contributes to the green future of Pakistan.
​

06/12/2025

⏳ 𝐔𝐀𝐉𝐊 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 — 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲!

Muslim Hands Scholarships are now open for BS programs. Eligible students can receive 50%–100% fee support based on merit & need.

🗓 Last date to apply: 16 December 2025

Apply now: https://ajku.edu.pk/muslim-hands-scholarships-mhs/