Pakistan President Appoints Kauser Malik as Federal Minister

In a significant development for the nation's agricultural and food security sector, President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi has appointed Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik as the Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research in the Caretaker Cabinet. Honorable President Dr. Alvi made the appointment on the advice of the caretaker prime minister under Article 224 (1a) of the Constitution. This decision reflects the President's commitment to ensuring the continued progress and prosperity of Pakistan in these critical areas. Dr. Malik took his oath on 11 September 2023.

Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, having dedicated his career to the fields of food security, agriculture, and research. His strong academic background, along with his practical knowledge, positions him as an asset to the country during this transitional period.

Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik joined Forman Christian College University (FCCU) as Professor in 2008 and since then he has been a valuable member of the Forman Family. He strengthened the roots of research, innovation, and commercialization in the institute, and is currently serving as Dean of Postgraduate Studies, and Director of Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization. In the light of his efforts, the School of Life Sciences at FCCU has been named after him as Kauser Abdulla Malik School of Life Sciences.

Dr. Malik is the eldest son of noted Urdu author and journalist Abdullah Malik. He holds a PhD in microbiology from Aston University, United Kingdom.

Prof. Malik started his research career at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad (1971-1992) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. He is the founder director general of the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) at Faisalabad where he had been involved from the conceptual stage to its operation and developed all research programs and scientific manpower.

In view of his research and management experience, Dr. Malik was appointed chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) which is the apex body responsible for coordinating research and development activities related to agriculture.

During 2001-2006, Dr. Malik served as Member (Biosciences & Administration) of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and established medical institutions in different places. Subsequently he was invited to join Planning Commission of Pakistan as its member looking after food and agriculture economic development from 2006-2008. During this period, Dr. Malik also acted as secretary of the National Commission on Biotechnology (2002-2008).

He is a recipient of Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. In 1997 he was also awarded ISESCO Prize in Biology. Dr. Malik is a fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and is one of the five leading scientists and technologists appointed by the government to the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology.

Dr. Malik is also part of the ISAAA Network Biotechnology Information Centers (BICs), serving as the Director of Pakistan BIC in Lahore.

For more information, send an e-mail to Ayesha Aslam: ayeshaaslam@fccollege.edu.pk.