News Desk: University of Balochistan is set to host the 2nd International Conference on “Plant Science and Management of Drylands for Agriculture & Biodiversity: A Step towards Sustainable Development” on May 18 and 19, 2026, through a hybrid format.
The international gathering will bring together scientists, researchers, environmental experts, and academicians from Pakistan and several countries to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in dryland agriculture, biodiversity preservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
More than 100 researchers are expected to present studies and scientific findings covering plant sciences, environmental conservation, medicinal plants, agricultural innovation, and climate-related issues affecting arid regions, particularly in Balochistan.
The conference will feature keynote sessions by leading national scholars and experts, including Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, Dr. M. Islam, Dr. Khair Muhammad Kakar, Dr. Muhammad Azam Kakar, Prof. Dr. Khalid Saifullah Khan, Prof. Dr. Ali Akbar, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif, Dr. Masood Ahmed, and Prof. Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi.
International speakers participating in the event include Dr. Syed Shujaet Ali Zaidi from the University of Texas, Professor Dr. Joann Whalen from McGill University in Canada, Professor Dr. Imran Ali from Southwest University of Science and Technology in China, and Dr. Harunna G. Yakubu from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
According to the organizers, the conference is aimed at strengthening scientific cooperation, promoting academic partnerships, and identifying sustainable solutions for environmental and agricultural challenges in Pakistan’s dryland regions.
The event is also expected to highlight the economic and ecological importance of medicinal plants and encourage collaborative research initiatives focused on food security, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agricultural growth in Balochistan.
