RAWALPINDI, Oct 28 (APP): Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) have signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen scientific research, technical collaboration, and regulatory oversight in the emerging cannabis sector in Pakistan.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Abida Raza on behalf of PMAS-AAUR and Asif Haroon, Director CCRA, while Maj. Gen. (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M), Director General, CCRA, and Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR were also present on the occasion.
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and regulatory governance by providing reliable, evidence-based findings to support CCRA’s regulatory decision-making. Both institutions will share expertise, resources, and technical knowledge to promote standardized testing, responsible research, and the development of appropriate scientific and technical capacity.
The collaboration will also focus on cannabinoid identification and quantification, analytical method development and validation, chemical profiling, and research into cannabis biology, genetics, biotechnology, and bioactive compounds.
Maj. Gen. (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M) termed the MoU a defining milestone in establishing a scientifically supported framework for the emerging industrial sector. He emphasized that effective regulation must be backed by reliable scientific evidence, standardized testing, and strong institutional capacity.
The key areas of collaboration include joint research on cannabis biology and biotechnology; testing and screening of plant materials, extracts, and derivatives; development and validation of analytical methods; cannabinoid profiling and quantification; scientific support for regulatory decisions; and technical training to strengthen CCRA’s laboratory capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman described the agreement as an important milestone in connecting regulatory governance with scientific advancement. He stated that the partnership between PMAS-AAUR and CCRA represents a union of regulatory oversight and cutting-edge scientific innovation.
He added that the initiative reflects PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to applying its research capabilities to emerging national priorities and strengthening collaboration between academia and regulatory institutions.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
