Department of Zoology, Karakoram International University Ghizer Campus

🎓 Alumni Success Story

The Department of Zoology, Karakoram International University (KIU) Ghizer Campus, proudly congratulates Mr. Khursheed, a BS Zoology graduate of KIU Ghizer Campus, on the successful completion of his MS in Zoology from the University of Lahore (UOL).

His academic journey from KIU Ghizer Campus to postgraduate studies at a leading national university reflects the strong academic foundation and mentorship provided by the department and stands as an inspiring alumni success story for our current students.

We wish him continued success in his academic and professional career. 🌟

The six-month special diploma course on Fisheries and Aquaculture, organized at Karakoram International University (KIU) Ghizer Campus with the support of the Pakistan Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF), has been successfully completed. A total of 55 students received modern, hands-on training during the course.
A graceful certificate distribution ceremony was held at the Ghizer Campus, attended by officials from the KIU Financial Aid Office, representatives of PEEF, senior administrative and teaching staff of the campus, and a large number of graduating students.
Addressing the ceremony, the speakers paid rich tribute to PEEF for its key role and appreciated its efforts in offering modern, market-oriented courses along with providing scholarships to promote higher education and research. They highlighted that, alongside academic education, skills-based training is the need of the hour as it equips youth with the abilities required for better employment opportunities.
Participants of the ceremony termed this initiative by PEEF and KIU administration a promising step toward ensuring a brighter future for the youth of the region.

The Department of Zoology, KIU Ghizer Campus, organized an educational study tour for BS Zoology students to the Mountain Trout Farm in Birgal Valley, coinciding with the start of the rainbow trout breeding season.
The visit provided students with valuable practical exposure to the artificial breeding process of rainbow trout. They received hands-on training in key techniques such as broodstock management, egg collection, fertilization, and incubation—bridging classroom learning with real-world aquaculture practices.
Such experiential learning opportunities play a vital role in enhancing students’ understanding of modern fish breeding, fisheries management, and sustainable aquaculture methods.

Visit of Zoology Students to Trout Farms in Birgal Valley on World Fisheries Day 2025

The Department of Zoology, KIU Ghizer Campus, conducted an educational exposure visit to the trout farming sites in Birgal Valley, aimed at deepening students' understanding of modern aquaculture practices and the biology of cold-water fish species.

Purpose of the Visit:
The visit was aimed at helping students understand the importance of World Fisheries Day, emphasizing global awareness of sustainable fishery practices and the vital role fisheries play in food security, livelihoods, and environmental conservation.
Objectives
* To understand how trout are farmed locally and how this compares with modern methods used around the world.
* To learn how to distinguish male and female trout.
* To explore the main components of a trout farm and understand how each section functions.
* To observe local feeding techniques and compare them with advanced international feeding systems.

Engagement with Local Trout Farming Startups

During the visit, students engaged with two successful trout farming entrepreneurs—“Both were proud alumni of the BS Zoology program at KIU Ghizer Campus who support their alma mater and inspire current students.”

Mountain Trout Farms – Raja Maaz Alam

Raja Maaz Alam, a BS Zoology graduate, shared the story of establishing **Mountain Trout Farms** before completing his degree. He discussed the real-world challenges he faced in cold-water aquaculture, including water-source management, feed optimization, and disease control. He emphasized how subjects like advanced aquaculture, ichthyology, fisheries, and fish farming equipped him with the practical skills needed to overcome these hurdles. Today, he continues to expand his trout farming venture, contributing to local fish production and serving as a role model for aspiring students.

Aqua Supreme Trout Farms – Raja Afzal

Another BS Zoology alumnus, Raja Afzal, introduced students to his company's startup, **Aqua Supreme Trout Farms**. He explained the difficulties encountered during the initial stages—system design, stock management, and environmental challenges—and how academic learning enabled him to adopt scientific, sustainable farming approaches. He also highlighted his continuing commitment to advancing trout production in the region and supporting KIU Ghizer Campus by guiding future graduates.

Both alumni encouraged students to pursue entrepreneurship in aquaculture and emphasized the role of scientific training in managing farm operations effectively. They also reaffirmed their ongoing connection with KIU and expressed pride in contributing to student learning through their field experience.

"Helping Hand For Relief and Development Pakistan (HHRD) honors Abdul Bari with a shield for his outstanding services during the recent floods in Dain Chatorkhand Valley, District Ghizer. This recognition is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Department of Zoology, KIU Ghizer Campus proudly announces its support for his selfless efforts. We salute his contributions to the relief efforts in the region.
#
GilgitBaltistan #
Alumni KIUGhizer"😀

🧠🐒 “If We Evolved from Monkeys, Why Are There Still Monkeys?” Here’s the Scientific Answer

This question pops up a lot — and it’s totally fair. But the key to understanding lies in how evolution really works. Spoiler: it’s not a straight line.

🔍 Humans didn’t evolve from monkeys — we share a common ancestor.
Millions of years ago, there was a now-extinct species that split into different branches: one led to humans, the others to modern monkeys and apes.

🌳 Think of evolution like a tree, not a ladder.
Just because one branch grows doesn’t mean the others disappear. Humans and monkeys evolved along separate paths, adapting to different environments.

🧬 We’re still closely related!
Humans and chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA, showing just how closely linked we are through evolution — even if we didn’t come directly from them.

✅ Bottom line:
Humans and modern monkeys are like evolutionary cousins. We didn’t replace them — we evolved alongside them, from the same ancient roots.

Understanding this helps us appreciate the beauty and complexity of life’s long evolutionary journey. 🌍✨

Today we honor the life and work of James Watson, co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA, has passed away. His work was a turning point in science, laying the foundation for modern genetics and transforming how we understand life at its most fundamental level. The discovery of DNA’s structure continues to drive breakthroughs in medicine, biotechnology, and evolutionary biology, a milestone that reshaped science, and the world.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

A growing global concern, as over one-third of the world’s fish populations are exploited beyond sustainable limits, leading to declining stocks, loss of biodiversity, and threats to food security and livelihoods.

Fisheriesprofessionals
Wild trout
Gilgit-baltistan.

World River's Day: "Waterways for Life" As the River, I am the embodiment of its being. Shrinking river sizes can have profound impacts on aquatic ecosystems and fish populations. 🐠🐠

Student Success Spotlight

The Department of Biological Sciences, Karakoram International University (KIU), Ghizer Campus proudly announces the successful defense of undergraduate thesis projects by its final-year students. Their pioneering research adds valuable contributions to science, health, and the local community:

🔹 Enab Sani — “Identification and Study of Coccinellidae (Ladybird Beetle) in Gahkuch Valley” — the first-ever research on ladybird beetles in the valley, underscoring their ecological role as natural pest regulators.

🔹 Abdul Bari — “Proximate Analysis of Wild and Farmed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) of District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan” — offering insights into nutritional quality and supporting sustainable aquaculture.

🔹 Maaz Alam — “Effect of Dietary Protein Gelatin Levels on Growth Performance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Reared in Earthen Ponds” — advancing knowledge on fish nutrition and practical feeding strategies.

🔹 Haseeb — “Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan” — generating important public health data for the region and raising awareness on preventive measures.

👏 The Department congratulates its students and extends appreciation to faculty supervisors for their guidance. These achievements highlight KIU Ghizer Campus as a growing hub of innovation and academic excellence in Gilgit-Baltistan.

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The BK-Riverfish (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578713414178) ladder is unlike traditional fish passage designs. Engineered to work with nature, it supports whole communities of fish — regardless of size or species — while mimicking the flow of real rivers. 🎥 Watch their short films to see how it’s helping reconnect ecosystems, and explore the full Tomorrow’s Catch series from the American Fisheries Society: https://contentwithpurpose.co.uk/afs/tomorrowscatch/series_partners/bk-riverfish/ 🎤:Brian Kynard | Jerry Sweeten | Pine Dubois | Boyd Kynard Featuring: Ecosystems Connections Institute, LLC | Jones River Landing | Jones River Ecology [https://www.facebook.com/jonesriver.ecology]| Jimmy Powell [https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.powell.5201254/]| Connecticut River Conservancy | Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries | Renovators Supply Manufacturing #TomorrowsCatch #FutureFisheries #FisheriesScience #AquaticConservation #SustainableFisheries #SustainableAquaculture #FreshwaterCrisis #ClimateResilientFisheries #AquaticBiodiversity #FishHabitatRestoration #HealthyWatersheds #FisheriesProfessionals #AquaticScience #ConservationLeadership #SciencePolicy #EnvironmentalResearch #FisheriesTech #SatelliteTracking #SonarScience #AquaticInnovation #NatureBasedSolutions #ClimateAction #BiodiversityMatters #RestoreNature #ProtectOurWaters 🎥: Content With Purpose