RAWALPINDI — The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen scientific research, technical collaboration, and regulatory oversight in Pakistan’s emerging cannabis sector. The historic agreement was formally signed by Prof. Dr. Abida Raza on behalf of PMAS-AAUR and Mr. Asif Haroon, Director at CCRA.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Maj. Gen. (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M), Director General of CCRA, and Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor of PMAS-AAUR. This strategic alliance is designed to bridge the gap between academic innovation and regulatory policy by delivering evidence-based scientific findings to guide national regulatory decision-making.

Strengthening Scientific Oversight and Testing Capabilities

Through this joint initiative, both organizations will pool technical knowledge, shared resources, and research infrastructure to build institutional capacity across Pakistan’s legal industrial and medical cannabis framework.

The primary focus areas of the collaboration include:

• Cannabinoid Profiling: Advanced identification, quantification, and chemical profiling of plant materials, extracts, and derivatives.

• Biotechnology & Genetics: In-depth study of cannabis biology, genetics, and the discovery of novel bioactive compounds.

• Analytical Standardisation: Development and validation of standardized testing methods for regulatory screening.

• Laboratory Empowerment: Technical training programs to enhance CCRA's testing capabilities and laboratory infrastructure.

Institutional Leaders Back Evidence-Based Sector Development

Highlighting the importance of the agreement, Maj. Gen. (R) Zafarullah Khan HI(M) described the MoU as a defining milestone in establishing a scientifically supported framework for the emerging industrial sector. He emphasized that effective, credible regulation must be rooted in reliable scientific evidence and robust institutional capacity.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman stated that the partnership represents a key union of regulatory governance and cutting-edge scientific innovation. He added that the initiative underscores PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to aligning its research capabilities with national economic priorities and fostering stronger collaboration between academia and government regulators.