International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) mourns the passing of Dr Amir Muhammed, distinguished Pakistani scientist, educationist, agricultural leader, and former Member of the ICIMOD Board of Governors.
Dr Muhammed served as an Independent Member of the ICIMOD Board of Governors from 2006 to 2013, bringing to the centre his exceptional expertise in agricultural research, institutional development, science, and sustainable mountain development.
His association with ICIMOD dates back further: in the 1990s, he led the centre’s first independent evaluation, known as the Quinquennial Review (QQR). The exercise contributed significantly to strengthening ICIMOD’s governance, strategic direction, and programme delivery.
Dr Muhammed made an exceptional contribution to Pakistan’s agricultural research and scientific development. He was the founding Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and served as Federal Secretary of Agriculture. He also served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Pakistan.
A distinguished scholar, Dr Muhammed earned his doctorate from the University of Oxford and was a Fellow and former President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, serving as its President from 1992 to 1996. His leadership and expertise extended well beyond Pakistan through his service on the boards and advisory bodies of several leading agricultural and development institutions.
Later in his career, as the founding Rector of the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES), Dr Muhammed played a formative role in building one of Pakistan’s leading institutions for computer science and emerging technologies.
Dr Amir Muhammed leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning agricultural science, higher education, research, and institution-building. His lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge, nurturing scientific excellence, and strengthening institutions in Pakistan and beyond will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
ICIMOD extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, students, and the many people whose lives and work he touched and inspired. His contributions will remain part of the institutions and communities he helped shape.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
