Equitable, quality education fundamental right: Punjab governor

Punjab governor says Pakistan faces numerous challenges

LAHORE:  

“Equitable and quality education is a fundamental right,” said Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar. He expressed these views while addressing the 16th annual convocation of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) on Tuesday.

UMT Board of Governors Chairman Dr Ahmed Omer Murad and other officials were also present during the event.

Pakistan faces numerous challenges such as eliminating poverty, eradicating socioeconomic equalities and ensuring sustainable growth. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government will endeavour to address these challenges, he maintained.

The importance of education for development cannot be denied. The economy and society need greater dedication and resolve from higher education institutions, the governor said.

“Development is impossible without an educated, skilled and trained human resource,” he said. Through education, more skilled individuals can be produced which can help in increasing productivity and add to the country’s prosperity. “The economy is the foundation of progress; education provides the bricks and mortar to build upon this foundation,” he stressed.

Pakistan is blessed with a large amount of fertile land. We are one of the largest producers of wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, mangoes and oranges. Uplifting the agriculture sector is one of the priorities of the PTI government, he added.

Similarly, Pakistan’s industrial and technology sector has a huge potential for growth. Recently, Pakistan’s IT related services crossed $1 billion exports. With proper support, we believe that it can multiply. The current government is taking necessary steps in this regard, Sarwar said.

“We are also focusing on traditional export sectors including textile, sports and surgical products.” Subsidising the rate of gas for industries is the first step this government has taken in order to support local industries, he highlighted.

He maintained that academia in Pakistan should realise this obligation towards national development and should promote research, innovation and commercialisation at an institutional level.

“We are blessed with this great opportunity of integrating with global trade through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Our universities required to play their role by training the youth with cross-cutting knowledge, preparing them to benefit from rising opportunities,” he added. At the end, the governor congratulated the students on their outstanding achievements.