Dr. Zafar Riaz is a distinguished biologist, visionary leader, and dynamic entrepreneur with over three decades of cross-industry experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Agro-Biological Sciences from the University of Newcastle, UK, specializing in genetics and pathogenesis. Dr. Riaz’s expertise spans molecular biology, the pharmaceutical industry, and QA-QC.
He has collaborated with international organizations in Pakistan and abroad, fostering strategic networks to drive sustainability and innovation in agriculture, with a focus on industrial hemp. Dr. Riaz has significantly contributed to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), engaging with global regulators like the FDA, Health Canada, USDA, and the European Commission.
As the co-founder and CEO of Atlantic Feeds (Pvt.) Ltd., he established a leading poultry and livestock feed production facility in Pakistan. Recognizing the potential of the industrial hemp market, Dr. Riaz founded Katas Hempstead Agro Farms (Pvt.) Ltd., aiming to position Pakistan as a global leader in hemp cultivation. The company collaborates with the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and participates in international forums such as the AsiaHemp Expo and the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA).
Dr. Riaz’s leadership continues to drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture, reinforcing Pakistan’s position in the global industrial hemp market.
