UoP raises Rs5m in first-ever fundraising event

Governor promises to focus on performance of public sector varsities in K-P

PESHAWAR: With funds for universities slashed by nearly half by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) following austerity measures of the federal government, the University of Peshawar hosted its first-ever fundraising event, raising Rs5 million.

The event, held at the administrative lawn of the varsity late on Saturday evening, saw philanthropists, academics, and businesspersons of Peshawar gather along with alumni of the varsity.

Chancellor public sector universities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Governor Shah Farman was the chief guest of the event. In his address, Farman stated that he will be ruthless with any university which violates meritocracy.

However, he went on to appreciate the efforts of the University of Peshawar (UoP) in raising funds in line with the federal government’s policy to pursue austerity and be cost-effective. He pledged that Governor Office will remain open for all needy and deserving students to provide remission in fees and or scholarships. He further stated that a mineral-rich country like ours urgently requires geological academics to share their research on the sector.

However, he lamented the disconnection between the academia and the industry at the moment. Recalling that he was an alumnus of both, the historic Islamia College and UoP, Farman noted that during his time, efforts were made to groom students with education and character building.

This, he noted, was amiss amongst students now which was deplorable. With the federally administered tribal areas (Fata) now merged with the province and residents of these areas electing their representatives in the provincial legislature, Farman said that he can dedicate all of his attention towards the performance of universities in the province.

Later, the governor donated Rs500,000 to UoP’s newly established endowment fund. UoP acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Johar Ali stressed on the governor to hear the cries and demands of the university. He appreciated the efforts of the University Alumni Association (UoPAA) in staging the event and to make it a “start-up success”.

Dr Ali made the point that educational endeavors require societal contributions to stay alive. “We call upon all key stakeholders and philanthropists to play their role in the promotion, growth, and survival of UoP,” the Acting UOP vice-chancellor urged. UoPAA president, Amjad Arbab conceded that reconnecting and bringing back alumni is key to UoP’s future apart from adopting a forward-looking approach to be sustainable.

Earlier, a documentary was showcased about the evolution of the varsity. A classical Kathak dance performed by Asfandyar Khattak while the university anthem was sung in Pashto by faculty member Bakht Zaman Yousafzai.

Fundraising Director Gulalai said that some Rs2 million were raised by selling 200 tickets for the event. Moreover, she said that Aziz industries had contributed handsomely for the scholarship programme of the varsity and the endowment fund.