PKNC UAF

11/06/2026

The Clinical Dietitian Training Group of the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) organized two-day specialized training program for clinical dietitians from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Central Punjab Faisalabad (UCP), Lahore. The training, held at PKNC UAF, was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Allah Rakha, Coordinator of the Clinical Dietitian Training Group, in cooperation with PKNC Master Trainers Mr. Ghayyor Sultan, Ms. Mehreen Abbas-Dietitian, and Mr. Mueez Aslam.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, in his address greatly appreciated the tireless efforts of Clinical Dietitian training group to revolutionize the existing knowledge of clinical dietitians in the country and highlighted PKNC’s ongoing initiatives to uplift nutrition habits in Pakistan. Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan, Head of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at UCP, and Dr. Zain ul Abedin, Coordinator HND, participated in the sessions and shared valuable insights regarding the extraordinary efforts of the Clinical Dietitian Training Group under the dedicated leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC, in line with the vision of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF.

The training sessions covered modules on physical and cognitive growth milestones in children, enabling dietitians to better understand developmental indicators for accurately assessing paediatric nutritional status. Participants gained deep insights into common micronutrient deficiencies in clinical settings and their role in ensuring optimal growth at different stages of life. Additional sessions focused on malnutrition care, inpatient nutritional screening tools to help dietitians rapidly identify nutritional risks among hospitalized patients, and outpatient assessment tools designed to improve nutrition evaluation, monitoring, and follow-up care. The training provided participants with practical, evidence-based knowledge to strengthen their clinical expertise.

The PKNC team expressed their appreciation for the active participation and enthusiasm shown by the UCP faculty and dietitians. In return, Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan and Dr. Zain ul Abedin, on behalf of the University of Central Punjab, lauded the exceptional efforts of the PKNC and its leadership, affirming that the training had significantly enhanced the clinical competencies of their dietitians.

05/06/2026

In a significant stride towards improving nutritional awareness and school education based health interventions, a high-level meeting was convened at the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF).
Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif, Coordinator of the School Advisor Group, chaired the session with a visiting delegation of principals from private schools located in the remote areas of Punjab. The delegation, led by Mr. Sadaqet Hussain Lodhi, Chairman of the All Pakistan Private Schools Alliance, was warmly welcomed at PKNC by the Master Trainers Dr. Roshina Rabail and Mr. Mueez Aslam.
Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif provided a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing initiatives of the School Advisor Group, under the umbrella of PKNC UAF. He highlighted the support and dynamic leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director of PKNC, and the visionary supervision of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF to work for the wellbeing of the community nutrition in the Pakistan. He added that, we are committed to translating modern nutrition research against malnutrition and unhealthy eating habits into practical school based awareness programs.
Mr. Sadaqet Hussain Lodhi expressed his appreciation for the PKNC. He said, this is a transformative moment for schools in remote areas. The facilities and expertise at PKNC are world-class, and we are eager to take these nutrition modules back to our students and the teachers.
Following the meeting, the delegation undertook an exploratory visit of the PKNC. The principals took deep interest in the state-of-the-art infrastructure of PKNC, which includes modern training rooms equipped with audio-visual learning tools and high-tech research laboratories. The collaborative session concluded with a mutual agreement to launch a pilot training program for school teachers from remote regions, with a new chapter in public-private partnership for child health and wellness in the educational institutions.

27/05/2026

21/05/2026

A high-level delegation from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official(UAF) to review the progress of the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) and reaffirm their commitment to transforming nutritional habits in Pakistan.

The delegation comprised Mr. Je Ho Yeon, Country Director KOICA; Ms. Sodam Baek, Deputy Country Director KOICA; and Mr. Ali Raza, Manager KOICA, Pakistan Head Office and other Korean officials. They were warmly received at the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor UAF; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director PKNC, UAF; and Mr. Malik Irfan Abbas, Director Planning and Development along with PKNC team.

Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali welcomed the Korean dignitaries and expressed deep appreciation for KOICA’s unwavering support. In a statement of endorsement, he said, the partnership between UAF and KOICA is a shining example of international cooperation delivering tangible social change. The Pak-Korea Nutrition Center is not merely a facility, it is a beacon of hope for combating malnutrition in Pakistan.

Mr. Je Ho Yeon, expressed his willingness to keep continued a pleasant journey of success and development through joined hands with UAF in the supervision of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali. He stated: we see a future of boundless opportunity under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali. KOICA is proud to continue this shared progress, and we reaffirm our full dedication to fostering this partnership to achieve lasting, transformative development in nutrition and agriculture education.

Ms. Sodam Baek highlighted the dedicated working of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa and the tireless efforts of Mr. Irfan Abbas to make PKNC a successful project in revolutionizing the nutrition habits in Pakistan in best cooperation and communication with KOICA. She remarked, through the extraordinary dedication of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center has become a model project, revolutionizing dietary habits across Pakistan with seamless synergy and outstanding communication with KOICA.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa expressed his gratitude and outlined future aspirations. He said, the PKNC stands as a testament to achieve bilateral dedication to make healthy nutrition a reality for Pakistani community. The PKNC aim to expand research and outreach to every corner of Pakistan with continued trust of KOICA and the support of honorable Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali.

This visit marks another milestone in the enduring Pakistan-Korea development partnership, centered at UAF as a regional hub for nutritional excellence.

20/05/2026

The Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF), continued its successful run on the second day of the Lyallpur Academia Industry Nexus (LAIN) 2026 at GCUF, drawing even larger crowds and high-profile recognition.

The PKNC UAF proved a flagship success under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF, and the strategic supervision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC. The second day of LAIN 2026 was widely praised as a powerful bridge between academia and industry, and PKNC stood at its heart. The day was honored by the arrival of Professor Dr. Qaisar Abbas, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha as chief guest of shield distribution ceremony and commended innovative contributions of LAIN 2026 to serve public health nutrition.

The dynamic leadership of Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif, Chair of Product Development & Value Addition at PKNC, the team of PKNC including Mr. Rana Muhammad Hamid Javed, Communication Officer PKNC and Mr. Muhammad Abdullah Butt with technical assistance from Mr. Muhammad Majid and Mr. Muhammad Mueez delivered free, on-the-spot nutritional assessments to a steady stream of visitors. The stall also showcased with signature range of fortified, science-backed nutritious products of PKNC, earning widespread admiration from nutrition experts and attendees.
The huge amount of visitors, ranging from industry professionals to students and health practitioners, praised the ability of PKNC leadership to translate complex food science into accessible, life-enhancing food products. The nutrition experts present at the event specifically highlighted the achievements of PKNC as a benchmark for public private partnership and academic excellence.

18/05/2026

Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) Shines at LAIN 2026 with Live Nutrition Assessments and Innovative Food Products.

The Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF), made a remarkable and successful participation at the Lyallpur Academia Industry Nexus (LAIN) 2026, held at Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF). The participation was carried out on the strategic instructions of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC, in align with the visionary direction of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF. The PKNC UAF team under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif, Chair of Product Development & Value Addition, served the participants with nutrition assessment and showcased its cutting-edge nutritious products and community-focused initiatives.

The Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Rauf-i-Azam, Vice Chancellor GCUF, along with other notable dignitaries inaugurated the LAIN 2026 and visited the stalls at exhibition center and took deep interest in the innovative and nutrient-rich food products. Adding immense value to the event, Dr. Roshina Rabail and Ms. Sonia, Master Trainers of PKNC, along with Mr. Muhammad Abdullah Butt, Research Assistant, performed live Nutrition Assessments of the visitors and guided the visitors about PKNC’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the nutritional status of communities across Pakistan. Their efforts were supported by Mr. Rana Muhammad Hamid Javed, Communication Officer, PKNC, with a comprehensive technical support of Mr. Usama Mughal and Mr. Ghulam Fareed.
Speaking about the achievement, Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif reiterated PKNC’s commitment to translating research into tangible solutions for child and community nutrition. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa extended his gratitude to the entire PKNC team for their dedication and congratulated PKNC for making the university proud with their outstanding performance at LAIN 2026.
The organizer of LAIN 2026, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umair Arshad Bajwa, Director of Industrial Linkages, Government College University Faisalabad, lauded the leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa and praised PKNC’s active, impactful, and successful participation. He remarked that PKNC’s model of integrating academia, industry, and direct community intervention is a beacon for others to follow. Visitors and industry experts expressed overwhelming appreciation for PKNC’s products and nutritional assessment drive. The PKNC stall remained a center of attraction throughout the event, receiving praises from academia, industry representatives, and the general public alike.

14/05/2026

The Chair Product Development and Value Addition of the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) drew a vibrant crowd of emerging nutrition scholars and entrepreneurs, all eager to transform innovative food ideas into viable nutritious products for community wellbeing.
The Chair Product Development and Value Addition of the PKNC UAF at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF), in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT), organized a one-day Hands-on Training Workshop titled “Food & Nutrition-Based Start-ups: Challenges, Opportunities and Showcasing of Products” at the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director of PKNC in his welcome address, underscored the proactive role of PKNC in fostering community health. He said, with the unwavering support of our honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, PKNC is proving to be a firm ignition agent to boost nutritious habits in the community. The preparation of healthy and nutritious foods from the minds of evolving nutrition scholars is well appreciated for a healthy community. We are not just teaching; we are enabling a movement.”

The chief guest, Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, Dean of the Faculty of Food, Nutrition, and Home Sciences (FFNHS), UAF, lauded the initiative’s focus on practical outcomes. He remarked, I truly appreciate the tireless efforts of Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif, Chair of Product Development and Value Addition at PKNC, to evoke creative thinking among students for the benefit of a healthy society.

Extending full institutional backing, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Issa Khan, Director General of NIFSAT the guest of honor, expressed his uninterrupted support for student-led ventures. He affirmed, NIFSAT will always stand with young innovators. The journey from lab to market is challenging, but with the right mentorship and infrastructure, our students can lead nutrition revolution in the Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif, praised the efforts of his whole team especially Ms. Mehreen Abbas-Dietitian, Master Trainer and Research Associate at PKNC, Ms. Muneeba Javed, Ms. Amna Bibi, Ms. Poushmal Abdul Razzaq, and Mr. Ubaid-ur-Rehman, PhD scholars in the discipline of Human Nutrition & Dietetics at the NIFSAT, UAF. He also appreciated the support of the Society of Food Scientists and Nutritionist in the management and conduct of activity. He lauded, through practical training and product showcasing, our students have shown active participation. Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif and Ms. Muneeba Javed highlighted the success journey of AAA Nutrifoods and The NutriWell, as shining examples showing the success of a start-up that thrive against the odds.

Adding a strategic dimension to the workshop, Dr. Shahbaz Nasir Khan, Deputy Director of the Business Incubation Center (BIC), UAF, elaborated the role of center in nurturing new ventures. He explained, BIC provides the safety net and launchpad for student start-ups from seed funding and legal registration to market linkages. We are here to ensure that no promising food-based business idea dies at the idea stage.

The workshop concluded with an energetic product showcasing session, where students presented prototypes ranging from fortified snacks to low-cost functional beverages. The event reaffirmed the commitment of PKNC to turning the academic research strength into tangible community nutrition solutions.

27/04/2026

High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, H.E. Harerimana Fatou, visited the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) and appreciated the remarkable efforts of PKNC in promoting nutrition research, innovation, and community health initiatives aimed at addressing malnutrition in Pakistan.

The visit was hosted by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor, UAF, who warmly received the distinguished guest and highlighted the commitment of university to advancing scientific solutions for agricultural sustainability and food security to grab national development challenges. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC and Dr. Muhammad Tehseen Azhar, Director External linkages along with the Project Management Team of PKNC UAF welcomed Ms. H.E. Harerimana Fatou on her arrival at PKNC. Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, said that UAF has always remained at the forefront of research-driven initiatives and PKNC stands as a flagship project dedicated to improving child and community nutrition through sustainable interventions for healthy nutrition habits.
The High Commissioner was taken on a detailed tour of PKNC’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including its modern training facilities and cutting-edge research laboratories equipped with advanced technologies for food analysis, product development, and nutrition research.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, in his briefing to Ms. H.E. Harerimana Fatou, shared the vision, objectives, and ongoing initiatives of PKNC, emphasizing the role of PKNC in revolutionizing nutritional habits in Pakistan. He explained that hunger and malnutrition remain pressing global challenges that require collaborative solutions. Through PKNC, we are striving to translate scientific research into practical interventions that can improve the health and wellbeing of communities. The PKNC is actively working to improve child and community nutrition through research and development, product innovation, capacity building, policy advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.
He further highlighted that the PKNC is developing nutrient-rich food products, conducting advanced compositional analysis, and undertaking evidence-based research to tackle malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. He also shed light on outreach programs of PKNC aimed at educating communities about healthy dietary practices, maternal and child nutrition, and food security.
Ms. H.E. Harerimana Fatou remarked, it is truly inspiring to witness the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali and the dedicated efforts of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa in establishing such a world-class facility. PKNC is playing a transformative role in improving nutrition and public health, and its model can serve as an example for many developing countries. She also appreciated PKNC’s integrated approach that combines research, innovation, and community outreach to create lasting impacts on public health.

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment of PKNC to creating a healthier future for Pakistan by combining scientific innovation with community engagement and strengthening international cooperation in the fields of nutrition, food innovation, and community wellbeing, while reinforcing UAF’s growing global recognition for its contributions to sustainable development and public health.

23/04/2026

Pak-Korea Nutrition Center welcomed The University of Lahore to Explore Nutrition education and Research initiatives of PKNC UAF

A delegation from the University Institute of Food Science and Technology (UIFST), The University of Lahore visited the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) as part of an educational tour aimed at enhancing students’ practical understanding of nutrition sciences, food research, and innovation.

The delegation was led by Mr. Zunair Abdullah, Senior Lecturer and Secretary Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) and Dr. Muhammad Nouman, Assistant Professor, UIFST at the University Of Lahore. The visiting students and faculty members were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Issa Khan, Chair Product Development and Compositional Analysis, PKNC, and Dr. Allah Rakha, Chair Policy Advocacy and Outreach, PKNC, along with other members of the PKNC team. The students were briefed about the mission and objectives of PKNC to address malnutrition and promote food and nutrition security in Pakistan through research, innovation, training, and policy advocacy. The participants praised that the PKNC is making significant strides under the comprehensive support of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor, UAF, and the dynamic leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director, PKNC.

The visiting Faculty and students were introduced to the state-of-the-art research laboratories, modern training rooms, and advanced facilities established at PKNC to strengthen nutrition-related research and capacity building in the country. The delegation showed keen interest in learning about the latest technologies being utilized for food analysis, product development, and nutritional interventions.

Mr. Jamal Babar thoroughly briefed the visitors on the ongoing initiatives and research activities being carried out at PKNC laboratories during a detailed laboratory tour. He highlighted the efforts of PKNC in developing innovative nutritional solutions, conducting compositional analysis, and supporting community nutrition programs across Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Nouman appreciated the role of PKNC in promoting research excellence and expressed hope for future collaboration to advance nutrition education and research. Mr. Zunair Abdullah also lauded the remarkable contributions of PKNC toward improving nutrition outcomes in Pakistan and said that such initiatives are essential for bridging the gap between academic learning and practical exposure for students.

The visit concluded with an interactive session where students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to witness cutting-edge research facilities and gain valuable insights into the efforts of PKNC to combat malnutrition and improve public health in Pakistan.

21/04/2026

PKNC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continuing capacity-building initiatives that bridge the critical gap between academic nutrition research and practical clinical applications.

The Clinical Dietitian training group of the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad - Official (UAF) has organized a two-day training program for clinical dietitians at PKNC under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Allah Rakha, Coordinator of the Clinical Dietitian Group. In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Allah Rakha stated that PKNC UAF is fostering innovative techniques in nutrition assessment inline with the visionary support of Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor UAF. He further added that PKNC is striving to revolutionize healthy nutrition habits under the dedicated leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Central Project Director of PKNC.

The internationally trained Master Trainers of PKNC delivered comprehensive sessions, equipping participants with practical, evidence-based knowledge for clinical practice. Prof. Dr. Allah Rakha provided deep insights on physical and cognitive growth milestones for children, helping dietitians to understand developmental markers to assess paediatric nutritional status accurately. Mr. Ghayyor Sultan delivered a comprehensive lecture on common micronutrient deficiencies in clinical setting for optimal growth at different ages. Mr. Mueez Aslam conducted the session on malnutrition care. Ms. Mehreen Abbas-Dietitian explained inpatient screening tools, enabling dietitians to rapidly assess nutritional risks for hospitalized patients, followed by a session on outpatient assessment tools, which focused on practical methods for evaluating and monitoring nutrition and follow-up care. The clinical dietitians greatly appreciated the revolutionary knowledge transfer from the PKNC Master Trainers.

The clinical dietitians greatly appreciated the revolutionary knowledge transfer from the PKNC Master Trainers and acknowledged that the training would significantly enhance their professional practice and patient care outcomes.