A simple and solemn ceremony was held to name the main conference room at the FAO Representation premises in Islamabad after the late Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad.
This gesture is FAO Representation in Pakistan’s own way of paying tribute to the services of Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad to the Agriculture Sector in Pakistan.
Mr. Sikander Hayat Khan Bosan, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research declared the conference room officially named “Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Memorial Conference Room” at the commemoration ceremony.
Inaugurated on September 5, 2013 by the honourable minister Bosan himself, the Conference Room serves as an important and most frequented venue for major events such as conferences, workshops, trainings and meetings involving stakeholders in the Agriculture Sector of Pakistan.
Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, Federal Minister Bosan said “Agricultural research is crucial for a country like Pakistan and there is a need for more professionals following late Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed’s example.

I commend FAO for making this effort to commemorate late Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed’s work for the Agriculture sector by naming an important part of the FAO premises after him.”
Mr. Patrick T. Evans, FAO Representative in Pakistan took this initiative to name the conference hall after late Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad to pay tribute to his services for not only FAO but also the entire Agriculture Sector in Pakistan.
Addressing the ceremony Mr. Patrick T. Evans paying tribute to Dr. Iftikhar’s services said “Dr. Iftikhar had always helped us do a better job. He strengthened the work of many agricultural bodies in Pakistan.”
He also reminded guests that Dr. Iftikhar was responsible for the construction of this FAO premises and we want to keep his memory alive.
Former Federal Secretary Mr. Seerat Asghar appreciating FAO’s gesture to dedicate its conference room to Dr. Iftikhar said “Dr. Iftikhar sacrificed his entire life for the Agriculture sector in Pakistan. His departure is a loss for the country.”
The ceremony was well attended with FAO staff, PARC and NARC staff present including Dr. Iftikhar’s family members.

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad passed away on June 3, 2016. He was serving as Senior Policy Advisor at FAO at the time of his death.

During his illustrious career, he served as Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and also held a number of prestigious positions including Member at Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and Director General, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). He wrote more than 300 publications and held membership of 22 societies and professional bodies.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter who can be seen in the photo with the plaque bearing the name of their late father.