Dr. Tariq Mukhtar is a distinguished plant pathologist with extensive expertise in plant nematology and plant disease management. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2000) and completed his postdoctoral research at the University of Reading, UK (2010). With a career spanning over 34 years in research and academia, Dr. Tariq Mukhtar has made significant contributions to the field of plant pathology through his research, teaching, and scientific leadership.   Currently serving as Professor at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Dr. Tariq Mukhtar has held various academic and administrative roles, including Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Chairman of the Department of Plant Pathology, Director, Institute of Hydroponic Agriculture. His research focuses on the identification and management of plant pathogens, particularly nematodes and bacterial diseases affecting vegetables, fruits, and field crops. His work integrates conventional, biochemical, and molecular approaches to disease diagnosis and control, emphasizing sustainable management strategies. He has more than 200 publications to his credit. 

Dr. Tariq Mukhtar has led numerous research projects funded by prestigious organizations, including the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Science Foundation. His investigations have contributed to the development integrated pest management strategies. An active member of several national and international scientific societies, Dr. Tariq Mukhtar has served as President of the Pakistan Society of Nematologists, the Pakistan Psychopathological Society, and the Pakistan Society of Plant Protection. He is also affiliated with the American Psychopathological Society, the International Society for Plant Pathology, and the Asian Psychopathological Society.

Dr. Tariq Mukhtar’s contributions to agricultural sciences have earned him numerous accolades, including the Publons Peer Review Awards (2017, 2019) and the Research Productivity Award by the Pakistan Council of Science and Technology (2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016). He is recognized as a top reviewer in agricultural sciences and serves as Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Member for multiple international journals in plant pathology and microbiology.  Beyond his research and editorial engagements, Dr. Tariq Mukhtar has supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc. students, contributing to the academic and professional growth of young scientists. His commitment to advancing plant pathology continues to drive innovation in disease management and food security in Pakistan and beyond.