SWAT: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has stated that providing quality education to the youth and preparing them for future challenges is a collective responsibility. Universities can overcome their issues through quality education, upholding merit, and generating their own resources. The Swat Valley holds great appeal for tourists from all around the world. The University of Swat needs to conduct modern research on the valley’s natural resources and tourism sector.
He expressed these views while addressing the third convocation of the University of Swat as the chief guest during his visit to Swat. Vice Chancellor Dr. Hassan Sher, political figures Najmuddin Khan, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, Dr. Haider Ali Khan, Sajid Hussain Turi, along with students, parents, and others were present at the event. The Governor awarded degrees to 152 students who completed their education in various fields and presented gold medals to 58 outstanding students. He also inaugurated a tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling on the university’s lawn. Vice Chancellor Dr. Hassan Sher welcomed the Governor and other guests and presented them with the university’s performance report.
In his address, the Governor congratulated the students, parents, and faculty members on their academic achievements. He said that the University of Swat holds a unique position due to its picturesque environment. The vibrant celebration of academic success at the University of Swat is proof that the youth here are advocates of education and peace. Swat has the honor of being home to Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and an advocate for education worldwide. He said that the educated youth of Swat should promote the peace and tourism of this beautiful valley globally. Educated youth should introduce the valley’s natural resources and tourist spots worldwide. Commercializing modern research can help generate revenue for the university and attract global investors to the Swat Valley. The Governor said that the University of Swat needs to focus on a unique education system beyond traditional education. More than half of the public sector universities in the province are facing financial deficits and educational and administrative crises. The leadership and faculty members of the universities facing various issues need to think about why these problems have arisen. The Governor said that the provincial government seems helpless in providing grants to universities in the current situation. Considering the severe financial problems of the universities in the province, he requested the Prime Minister to continue financial grants for the universities, for which he is grateful to the Prime Minister for allocating funds for public sector universities across the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the annual budget 2024-25. He also emphasized that all universities should focus on generating their own resources.
