NANJING: For years, Balochistan\u2019s vast, arid landscape and long coastline have held economic promise that has yet to be fully realised. With large livestock herds and marine resources, the Pakistani province has significant potential. However, the gap between potential and productivity remains wide – a challenge now being tackled by a new generation of local scholars armed with international expertise. One such scholar is Dr. Saif Ullah. He is a faculty member in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and manager of the Business Incubation Center at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS) in Balochistan, Pakistan, according to a report carried by China Economic Net (CEN). News Agency
\nHis journey to this role began more than 5,000 kilometres away, in the lecture halls and research laboratories of Nanjing Agricultural University in China.
\n\u201cMy first priority was to get the degree, the knowledge,\u201d Dr. Saif said. That knowledge was built through a master\u2019s degree and a Ph.D. in animal genetics, breeding and reproduction.
\nHis academic dedication was recognised in 2017 with the International Student Leader Award.
\n\u201cI gained a strong foundation in research and was exposed to advanced agricultural technologies,\u201d he said. For him, though, it was never just an academic exercise.
\n\u201cWe are the sons of this soil. I saw this field as the way to bring sustainable solutions to my hometown.\u201d
\nThe need is clear. Balochistan\u2019s economy relies heavily on livestock – goats, sheep and camels – a sector that contributes more than half of the province\u2019s agricultural GDP.
\n\u201cWe have great potential, but very low productivity,\u201d Dr. Saif said, outlining the challenge he aims to address. \u201cThe goal is to convert our natural resources into economic growth through science.
\nThe technologies I learned in Nanjing, in areas like genetic improvement, are one of the keys.\u201d
\nNow back in southeast Balochistan, Dr. Saif is focused on implementation. He is incorporating modern teaching methods into his classes and guiding students in hands-on research aimed at building long-term local capacity.
\nHe also hopes to develop joint research projects with his former university and other Chinese institutions, viewing such collaboration as a catalyst for progress.
\nHis six years in China, however, were about more than academics. While based in Nanjing – a historic city often described as an education centre in eastern China\u2019s Jiangsu province – he also travelled widely, from Zhengzhou in central China to the tropical coastal city of Sanya.
\n\u201cThese travels opened my mind,\u201d he said. \u201cSeeing different approaches to architecture and development in China changed my perspective. If you stay in one place, your thinking can be limited. My time in China made me more open-minded and confident.\u201d
\nHe also shared his own heritage through community engagement. At international campus and community festivals, he showcased Balochi culture, wearing traditional clothing and performing folk dances.
\nHis community involvement was recognised when he received an \u201cOutstanding Volunteer\u201d award for participating in a 2018 charity event in Jiangsu.
\nThrough his academic work and cultural exchanges, Dr. Saif Ullah has become a bridge of knowledge and mutual respect – bringing home not only technical expertise, but also a broader vision for sustainable development in Balochistan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NANJING: For years, Balochistan\u2019s vast, arid landscape and long coastline have held economic promise that has yet to be fully realised. With large livestock herds and marine resources, the Pakistani province has significant potential. However, the gap between potential and productivity remains wide – a challenge now being tackled by a new generation of local […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-524891","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n