The Landscape Studio Lab of the Department of Horticulture, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) successfully organized a two-day Hands-on Workshop on Floral Art titled “From Stem to Style: Mastering Ikebana and Fresh Floral Art for Creative Business Venture.” Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The event aimed to promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and aesthetic appreciation among students by introducing them to both traditional and contemporary floral art techniques. The workshop brought together national and international experts, faculty members, and a large number of students, fostering an environment of learning and innovation.

In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman commended the organizers for arranging a creative and skill-oriented workshop that combined artistry with entrepreneurship. He said that this initiative is a commendable effort to blend creativity with business acumen, allowing participants to explore both the artistic and commercial dimensions of floral design. Emphasizing the growing importance of floriculture, the Vice Chancellor highlighted that flowers not only beautify our surroundings but also have a positive impact on mental well-being. He encouraged students to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and advised that the employment opportunities are limited, but business opportunities are vast.

The workshop featured an enlightening keynote session by Dr. Atif Riaz Qureshi, an international floral design expert from Australia, who shared his expertise on “Native Cut Flowers and Their Market in Australia and Pakistan.” His talk inspired participants to explore new market avenues and appreciate the diversity of native floral species.

In addition, experts from the Floral Art Society of Pakistan (Magnolia Chapter) conducted practical demonstrations, providing participants with hands-on training in various floral arrangement techniques and contemporary design trends.

The Patron of the Workshop, Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, appreciated the organizers’ efforts specially the chief organizer Dr. Usman Shoukat Qureshi and highlighted the significance of linking floriculture with entrepreneurship.