The Executive Committee comprises of seven officials, President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator and two members at large.
PRESIDENT
Dr. Fallak S Sial (64-ag)
(202) 250-4181
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering (UAF, 1970), a Master of Engineering from AIT in Bangkok (1974), and a PhD from Penn State (1978). My professional experience spans two years in Pakistan, ten years in Saudi Arabia—both in academia and the private sector—and 26 years in the U.S. Government, specifically within the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense as a civilian.
Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across various fields, including academia (teaching and research, with a dozen publications), government (construction, facilities management, energy performance contracts, among others), and the private sector (in trading, contracting, and real estate).
I retired in 2014 and now reside in a suburb of Washington, DC, where I volunteer for several nonprofits. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to supporting my native village of Dhingana in Bhakkar, focusing on education, rural development, and fostering self-sufficiency. While some of my initiatives have been successful, others present challenges that motivate me to refine my approach continuously.
PAST PRESIDENT
Currently Vacant
SECRETARY
Dr. Muhammad Athar, DVM, MSc, PhD (83-ag)
(703) 987-0066
I began my academic journey in 1983 and earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with distinction in 1987. Shortly after, I joined the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) as a Lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, where I dedicated over 18 years to teaching and research. During this time, I completed my MSc (Summa Cum Laude) in 1995 and later earned my PhD from the same institution in 2007.
Throughout my career, I have authored over a hundred research papers, popular articles, and book chapters published in national and international journals. I also co-authored Pakistan’s First-Ever Veterinary Formulary, widely known as The Vet’s Guide and Tips for Practicing Vets. In recognition of my contributions to veterinary education and research, I was honored with the Best Teacher/Young Scientist Award from UAF in 1996-97.
In 2007, while in Canada, I successfully completed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). I initially worked as a small animal practitioner in Toronto before moving to the United States, where I joined Banfield Pet Hospital as an Associate Veterinarian in 2008. In 2022, I was privileged to be inducted into the prestigious Mars Tie and Scarf Club.
Today, I am enjoying life in Virginia with my wonderful wife, Afshan—also a proud UAF graduate—and our three amazing teenagers: two sons and a daughter. Our home is made even livelier by our two adorable cats, Iris and Suki.
TREASURER
Ijaz Malik (64-ag)
(Commonly known as Moulvi Ijaz)
(301) 502-5506
Academic Background:
Graduated in Agricultural Economics
Joined M.Sc. (Agri. Eco.), but left in 1970 due to the historic student strike that led to the formation of the Inqilabi Council.
Transferred to Chittagong University in East Pakistan as an exchange student.
Left East Pakistan due to political unrest and continued studies at Punjab University, earning an M.A. in Economics.
Professional Career:
Began as an Assistant Director at the Census and Registration Organization (Identity Card).
Migrated to the USA in 1977.
Worked as a Defense Contractor for approximately 20 years.
In 2005, joined the Defense Language Institute (DOD) as an Assistant Professor and served until retirement in 2019.
Earned an M.A. in Education from Brandman University, California, during DOD service.
Current Engagement:
Actively involved in community service, enjoying meaningful contributions to society.
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Dr. M Rafiq Chaudhry (64-ag)
(571) 278-9660
Major: Plant Breeding and Genetics
Live: Springfield, VA
I worked as a senior cotton breeder from 1981-85 at the CCRI, Multan and as Director of Research for the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, Ministry of Food and Agriculture from 1986-1991. I joined the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) team as Head, Technical Information Section in 1991. At the ICAC, based in Washington DC, my main responsibilities were to provide update on production research and facilitate communications among cotton researchers in the world. I retired from the ICAC after 26 years in 2017.
I published extensively on cotton production research - a book, many book chapters and over 200 articles in English, French and Spanish languages.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Dr. Bashir Aslam Qasmi (62-ag)
(605) 695-6400
EDUCATION
• Ph.D. in Economics, Iowa State University, USA (1986)
• M.S. in Agricultural Economics, University of Manitoba, Canada (1979)
• M.S. in Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Pakistan (1971)
• B.S. in Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Pakistan (1967)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• South Dakota State University, Economics Department – Faculty (1987–2015)
• California State University, Monterey Bay – Online Business Program, Economics Faculty (2018–2021)
• South Dakota Grain Transportation Advisory Committee – Member (1997–2000)
• Regional Fellow, Northern Plains & Rockies Center for the Study of Western Hemisphere Trade (1996–1998)
• United Nations Development Consultant – Department of Agricultural Marketing, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan (Sept–Oct 1991)
• Consultant, National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, Resources for the Future, Washington, D.C. (1990)
COURSES TAUGHT
Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis, Trading in Commodity Futures and Options, International Trade, Mathematical Economics, Operations Research, Public Finance, Microeconomics & Macroeconomics
RESEARCH AREAS
Agricultural Marketing, Commodity Futures and Options Trading, Transportation Economics, International Trade & Agricultural Policy
PUBLICATIONS IN REFEREED JOURNALS
Agricultural Finance Review, Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics Letters, Agribusiness: An International Journal, International Food and Agribusiness Management Review & Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences
MEMBER AT LARGE
Dr. Ghulam Sarwar (72-ag)
(951) 236-3237
I earned my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from UAF in 1980, and worked for 1.5 years at PARC, Islamabad. I came to the US in 1986 and earned a Ph.D. in Applied Economics at Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln and then a Ph.D. in finance from Oklahoma State. I have been a finance professor in US since 1996 and am currently a finance professor at California State University-San Bernardino. My finance expertise is in investments and financial derivatives. I am an active finance research scholar with over thirty publications (mostly solo) in respected finance journals.