COAS backs efforts for mainstreaming madrassas

General Qamar says efforts will open new avenues for seminary students to excel in their careers

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Wednesday the ongoing efforts to bring madarssas into the mainstream national education system would open new avenues for the students to excel in their careers.

The army chief met with the students, belonging to Ittehad-e-Tanzeemat-e-Madaris Pakistan (ITMP) from across the country, who secured good grades in the Intermediate exams, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

In all, 13 students, including four girls, belonging to the ITMP, achieved top positions in various board exams this year, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The army chief congratulated the students for securing positions in various disciplines. He emphasised that they must continue to work hard and contribute towards prosperous and progressive Pakistan and become a useful part of society.

General Bajwa lauded the efforts and commitment of the parents and teachers to provide right environment to the students and help them achieve such distinctions.

The COAS later distributed prizes among the high achievers and souvenirs to parents and teachers in recognition of their efforts. The students, on the occasion, thanked the army chief for the recognition of their achievements.

Separately, Gen Bajwa inaugurated the Urea Formaldehyde Moulding Compound (UFMC) Plant at Wah Nobel Chemicals Factory and visited the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), Wah, and the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), the ISPR said.

According to the military’s media wing, the UFMC project took eight months to complete, and the plant was equipped with silver catalyst technology to reduce production cost.

The army chief also visited the POF display centre where new defence products were displayed. He appreciated the achievements of the factory’s research and development department. Gen Bajwa asked the management of the POF to adopt proactive approach to enter into joint ventures with foreign countries as well as the private sector.

The army chief also asked the management to diversify its product range. On the occasion, he was shown defence manufacturing facilities including upgradation of various tanks.

He appreciated the efforts of the POF and the HIT for manufacturing the defence and security equipment on a par with international standards to make Pakistan’s defence capability robust.