Dr. Ghulam Zakir-Hassan, Irrigation Research Institute, Pakistan.
Dr. Ghulam Zakir Hassan is a seasoned hydrologist and engineer from Pakistan with over 31 years of expertise in sustainable water resources management. He currently serves as Director at the Irrigation Research Institute, Punjab, Pakistan. A gold medalist in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, he holds an M.Engg from AIT Thailand and a Ph.D. in Hydrology from Charles Sturt University, Australia. Dr. Hassan has presented his research globally in over 15 countries and is affiliated with numerous international water and engineering associations. His work focuses on groundwater modeling, climate resilience, and sustainable irrigation systems.
Professional Profile
Education and Experience
Education:
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Ph.D. (Hydrology) – Charles Sturt University, Australia (2024)
Thesis: Managed Aquifer Recharge in Punjab, Pakistan
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M.Engg (Irrigation Engineering & Management) – AIT, Thailand (1993), CGPA 3.46/4.00
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B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering – University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (1991), CGPA 3.88/4.00
First Position in University & Faculty, Two Gold Medals
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F.Sc. – Govt. College Jhang (1987), 75% – A Grade
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Matric – Govt. High School Jhang (1984), 87% – A-One Grade
Experience:
Suitability Summary for the Best Researcher Award
Dr. Ghulam Zakir Hassan is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, bringing over 31 years of impactful research, policy engagement, and practical innovation in the fields of hydrology, groundwater management, and irrigation engineering. His recent completion of a Ph.D. in Hydrology from Charles Sturt University, Australia (2024), and his extensive national and international contributions reflect a career marked by dedication to sustainable water resource development, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions like Punjab, Pakistan.
Professional Development
Dr. Hassan has actively pursued continuous professional development both nationally and internationally. He has participated in advanced training across 10+ countries including Australia, China, Thailand, and Iran, focusing on groundwater modeling, climate change, water governance, and GIS technologies. Nationally, he attended over 25 specialized workshops on geotechnical investigations, project planning, disaster management, and environmental impact analysis. His training also includes courses on communication, academic writing, and leadership, equipping him with the strategic, technical, and communicative tools required for interdisciplinary water resource planning. He remains deeply engaged in knowledge-sharing through conferences and training workshops, building institutional and community capacities.
Research Focus
Dr. Ghulam Zakir Hassan’s research is centered on groundwater sustainability, hydrologic modeling, and climate change impacts on water systems. He has conducted in-depth studies on managed aquifer recharge, groundwater governance, canal seepage control, and the effects of global warming on water-food productivity in the Indus Basin. His focus also extends to rainwater harvesting, floodwater storage, and sustainable irrigation technologies under shifting climatic patterns. Through national and international platforms, he has emphasized innovative water management strategies essential for developing countries. His work contributes to practical solutions addressing water scarcity, recharge enhancement, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Ghulam Zakir Hassan received two gold medals for securing first position in B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. He was awarded the prestigious Australia Awards in 2014 for training in sustainable irrigation. He has represented Pakistan at major international forums such as ICID and the World Bank and served as Vice President of the Postgraduate Student Association at Charles Sturt University (2020–2024). His memberships in over 15 national and international professional bodies and frequent invitations to present at global conferences reflect his recognition as a leading expert in groundwater and water resource management.
Top Noted Publications
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A Water Balance Model to Estimate Groundwater Recharge in Rechna Doab, Pakistan, Cited by: 67, 1996
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Sustainable Use of Groundwater for Irrigated Agriculture: A Case Study of Punjab, Pakistan, Cited by: 24, 2017
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Environmental Issues and Concerns of Groundwater in Lahore, Cited by: 20, 2016
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Optimising Canal and Groundwater Management to Assist Water User Associations in Maximizing Crop Production and Managing Salinisation in Australia and Pakistan, Cited by: 17, 2016
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Physicochemical Investigation of Rainfall for Managed Aquifer Recharge in Punjab (Pakistan), Cited by: 14, 2022
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Impact of Floods on Groundwater—A Case Study of Chaj Doab in Indus Basin of Pakistan, Cited by: 14, 2021
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Human Health Risk of Heavy Metal Contamination in Groundwater and Source Apportionment, Cited by: 13, 2022