Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS AAUR) held a graceful Farewell Dinner in Rawalpindi to honor its retired faculty members, administrative staff and other employees.
Chairperson Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan (HI, SI) attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Vice Chancellor PMAS AAUR Prof. Dr. Qamar uz-Zaman welcomed him. The event was also attended by the Registrar, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, administrative officers and staff of the university.
The retirees included former Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Saif Ullah Khan, former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, along with other faculty members and university employees who had served the institution with distinction.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan congratulated the retiring employees on completing their professional careers and paid tribute to their dedicated services to PMAS AAUR over the years. He said the strength of every institution lies in the commitment of its people and added that every employee, regardless of designation, plays an important role in building an institution’s reputation and progress.
He also said retirement should not be seen as the end of a professional journey, especially in higher education. In academia, he noted, a teacher never truly retires because knowledge, wisdom and experience continue to benefit society long after formal service ends. He urged universities to develop structured policies to engage retired professors, researchers and experienced administrative professionals in mentoring young faculty, guiding students, contributing to research and supporting academic planning and institutional development.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar uz-Zaman said the retired employees remain an integral part of the PMAS AAUR family and will always be valued assets of the university. He said every milestone achieved by the university has been built on the hard work, dedication and professionalism of its faculty and staff, many of whom devoted decades to teaching, research, administration and community service.
He added that farewell ceremonies are a humble expression of gratitude for the services rendered by retiring employees and symbolize the university’s respect for their loyalty, sincerity, hard work and commitment.
Retired professors, officers and employees shared memories of their time at PMAS AAUR and thanked the university administration for arranging a memorable and dignified farewell. At the end of the ceremony, commemorative shields were presented to the retiring faculty members, administrative staff and employees in recognition of their services and contributions.
