Australia Awards South and West Asia

Muhammad Aamir started his career as a vet after earning a doctorate in veterinary studies from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Lahore in 2004. After graduating, he worked as an intern at a government veterinary facility and then began working with the National Rural Support Program in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

He formally started his career in the humanitarian sector after the 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan. After working with various international organisations including Save the Children and World Vision, he decided to apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship to take his career to the next level.

In 2015, he was awarded an Australia Awards Scholarship to study a Master of Rural Development at the University of Queensland.

“Studying abroad was always a dream that I longed for,” he says.

“Through studying the Master of Rural Development, I have been able to understand the global perspective of rural development and how we can have sustainable solutions to address Pakistan”

After returning to Pakistan in July 2016, he worked as an external evaluator for Welthungerhilfe, a German non-government organisation (NGO), evaluating their programs in KPK and Sindh.

Muhammad is now working at Action Against Hunger, an international NGO with a mandate to prevent hunger and malnutrition. As Head of Programs, he leads the overall strategic programming to address hunger and malnutrition in Pakistan. He is responsible for designing proposals and innovative concepts, and liaising with government and key developmental players.

One of his core responsibilities is to support the Pakistani government in adopting sound policies and initiatives that are more responsive to the needs of vulnerable and poor populations.

Muhammad has developed a separate nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agriculture section at Action Against Hunger and has been closely involved in the food security and agriculture policy review for the national and Sindh governments.

He has also facilitated the design of innovative concepts, and secured funds from donors, in the fields of food security, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene.

Muhammad credits Australia Awards for exposing him to an international environment. “I became part of a diverse society, where I learned about the values of different societies and cultures,” he says.

During his Australia Awards experience, Muhammad found Australians to be friendly and generous. “I never faced any challenge while seeking help or assistance in my university and outside . My teachers were kind and supportive. The overall conducive environment in Australia was a critical factor which helped me in achieving my objectives.”

“I was continuously engaged and received vital information,” he says.

“I am really thankful for all the support; it is so encouraging to have a group of talented people always on my side.”

“As an Australia Awards recipient, I enjoyed every bit of my stay in Australia. From the Academic Integration Program until my last research presentation, it was a wonderful experience.”

Muhammad plans to continue using his knowledge and skills to contribute to the eradication of hunger and malnutrition in Pakistan. He aims to further support the government of Pakistan in improving lives within the Country’s rural populations.
Australia Awards are prestigious international Scholarships, Fellowships and Short Courses funded by the Australian Government.Australia Awards Scholarships aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia’s partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements.