ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized the crucial role of universities in providing high-quality education to students, recognizing it as a fundamental requirement for the country’s development. He urged the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to collaborate with universities in designing their courses and departments in the line with modern disciplines and demands of the job market.
Addressing the Convocation ceremony at Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan President acknowledged that Pakistan was facing challenging economic conditions. Still, he expressed hope that through a focus on quality education, the rule of law, and justice, the nation would soon rise to greater economic prosperity. Alvi firmly believed that Pakistan had the potential to develop significantly.
During the convocation ceremony, Arif Alvi awarded medals to the top-performing students and conferred degrees to successful graduates from various departments of the university. President Alvi also emphasized the need for professionals in the medical field, particularly among women, to contribute to society upon completing their degrees. He highlighted the important role that hardworking women could play in the country’s development alongside men, emphasizing the necessity of providing them with a harassment-free work environment.
Addressing the Out-of-School Crisis
Pointing out the huge number of out of schools, President Alvi said that approximately 55,000 new schools are required to accommodate over 24 million children being out of schools.
Comparing regional statistics, he noted that India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka had higher enrollment rates in schools. He suggested the utilization of mosques and modern technology, such as online education, to improve access to education.
The President encouraged universities to introduce 2-year associate degree programs to meet the market demand for skilled professionals, particularly in fields like cybersecurity. He stressed the importance of lifelong learning, even after obtaining a degree, and emphasized the principles of justice and morality in practical life, noting that justice is fundamental to Islam and a just society.
Caretaker Minister for Federal Education, Madad Ali Sindhi, stated that the government was committed to promoting education at all levels and ensuring that schools in Islamabad receive essential facilities to enhance educational quality. Vice-Chancellor Quaid-i-Azam University, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, reported that a total of 7,738 students had received degrees in various disciplines during the convocation. He also mentioned ongoing development projects worth Rs 14 billion, supported by China, within the university.
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Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi addressing the convocation ceremony of the Quaid-i-Azam University
(12.10.2023)https://t.co/DFzjGXnspt
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 12, 2023
