Sayed Asad Shah Former Adviser to CM Sindh on Finance Visits SALU’s Date Palm Institute, Commends Initiatives & Assures Support for Research, Export Growth

Sayed Asad Shah Former Adviser to CM Sindh on Finance Visits SALU’s Date Palm Institute, Commends Initiatives & Assures Support for Research, Export Growth
Press Release
13-8-2025
Former Adviser to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Finance, Asad Ali Shah, visited the Date Palm Research Institute (DPRI) at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur Mirs, and expressed keen interest in the university’s ongoing research and development initiatives, particularly for the indigenous Aseel date variety.
Mr. Shah showed his deep interest in indigenous plants and their related issues, including soil health, plant life cycles, fruit quality, and export potential. He acknowledged the strategic importance of research on these aspects to ensure better yields, disease resistance, and enhanced global competitiveness of local produce.
Welcomed by Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk and senior faculty members, Mr. Shah emphasized the vast potential of Aseel dates in global markets and encouraged further work to enhance quality, boost exports, and explore value-added products.
He assured his fullest cooperation in strengthening the university’s role in the agricultural value chain, pledging support for organizing seminars, roadshows, and research collaborations with trade authorities to benefit local growers and the regional economy.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk briefed the guest on the HEC-supported infrastructure at SALU, noting that during the tenure of Dr. Sohail Naqvi, HEC Pakistan took deep interest and extended generous support to establish excellent laboratories at the Date Palm Research Institute, alongside other key initiatives such as the Herbarium & Botanical Garden and the Museum of Archaeology. He also shared that SALU has formed a dedicated committee to address export-related challenges, in close coordination with relevant stakeholders.
During the visit, Professor Dr. Naveed Ahmed Shaikh and Professor Dr. Minhoon Khan Laghari shared proposals for enhancing farmer training and quality improvement, while Dr. Ameer Ahmef Mirbahar showcased the institute’s modern laboratory facilities and ongoing research on developing improved date palm varieties and combating plant diseases.
Local growers, including SALU alumnus Farhan Abro, also joined the discussions, appreciating the university’s engagement with the farming community and sharing suggestions for future collaborations.
To further strengthen research on Aseel dates, a high-level committee was formed under the convenorship of Dr. Mushtaque Ali Jakhrani, Dean of Natural Sciences, with Dr. Muzaffar Sirohi and Dr. Ameer Ahmef Mirbahar as members.
The visit concluded with a mutual understanding to work closely for the growth of Pakistan’s date industry, focusing on quality enhancement, export expansion, and sustainable livelihoods for growers in Khairpur and beyond.
Dr. Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU, Khairpur
Sayed Asad Shah Former Adviser to CM Sindh on Finance Visits SALU’s Date Palm Institute, Commends Initiatives & Assures Support for Research, Export Growth
Press Release
13-8-2025
Former Adviser to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Finance, Asad Ali Shah, visited the Date Palm Research Institute (DPRI) at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur Mirs, and expressed keen interest in the university’s ongoing research and development initiatives, particularly for the indigenous Aseel date variety.
Mr. Shah showed his deep interest in indigenous plants and their related issues, including soil health, plant life cycles, fruit quality, and export potential. He acknowledged the strategic importance of research on these aspects to ensure better yields, disease resistance, and enhanced global competitiveness of local produce.
Welcomed by Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk and senior faculty members, Mr. Shah emphasized the vast potential of Aseel dates in global markets and encouraged further work to enhance quality, boost exports, and explore value-added products.
He assured his fullest cooperation in strengthening the university’s role in the agricultural value chain, pledging support for organizing seminars, roadshows, and research collaborations with trade authorities to benefit local growers and the regional economy.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk briefed the guest on the HEC-supported infrastructure at SALU, noting that during the tenure of Dr. Sohail Naqvi, HEC Pakistan took deep interest and extended generous support to establish excellent laboratories at the Date Palm Research Institute, alongside other key initiatives such as the Herbarium & Botanical Garden and the Museum of Archaeology. He also shared that SALU has formed a dedicated committee to address export-related challenges, in close coordination with relevant stakeholders.
During the visit, Professor Dr. Naveed Ahmed Shaikh and Professor Dr. Minhoon Khan Laghari shared proposals for enhancing farmer training and quality improvement, while Dr. Ameer Ahmef Mirbahar showcased the institute’s modern laboratory facilities and ongoing research on developing improved date palm varieties and combating plant diseases.
Local growers, including SALU alumnus Farhan Abro, also joined the discussions, appreciating the university’s engagement with the farming community and sharing suggestions for future collaborations.
To further strengthen research on Aseel dates, a high-level committee was formed under the convenorship of Dr. Mushtaque Ali Jakhrani, Dean of Natural Sciences, with Dr. Muzaffar Sirohi and Dr. Ameer Ahmef Mirbahar as members.
The visit concluded with a mutual understanding to work closely for the growth of Pakistan’s date industry, focusing on quality enhancement, export expansion, and sustainable livelihoods for growers in Khairpur and beyond.
Dr. Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU, Khairpur