LAHORE: (Friday, January 16, 2026): Punjab University Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) signed two significant research and development agreements aimed at strengthening agricultural innovation in Pakistan. The agreements were signed by Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali. The first agreement focuses on the development of improved cotton varieties and was signed with Dr Muhammad Idrees Khan, Secretary, Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), Headquarters, and Dr Sabahat Hussain, Director, Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan. This collaboration is expected to enhance cotton productivity and support the national cotton sector through advanced research and breeding strategies. The second agreement was signed with Dr Jilal Idrees, CEO of Gene Tech Lands, to jointly work on the development of hybrid crop varieties, particularly cotton and maize, using modern biotechnological approaches. The signing ceremony was attended by Director CEMB Prof Dr Moazur Rahman, Prof Dr Bushra Rashid, Prof Dr Abdul Qayyum Rao, Dr Allah Bakhsh, and Mr Muhammad Ejaz, Head of Administration, CEMB. The agreements mark an important step toward fostering academia–industry collaboration and promoting sustainable agricultural development in Pakistan.