Move to upgrade Forest Institute to university
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has approved up-gradation of Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) to the level of degree awarding institute or a full-fledged university.
He directed consultation with all stakeholders to this effect, saying that the PFI is a unique institute which needs to be upgraded in accordance with the requirements of modern era.
“The provincial government will provide all possible resources for the purpose,” he said.
He was chairing a meeting of the K-P Forestry & Environment Department held here the other day.
Provincial Minister for Forest Ishtiaq Urmar, Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, Secretary Environment & Forest Abid Majeed and other officials attended the meeting.
Briefing about the planned up-gradation of PFI, the meeting was informed that PFI was a sole institute of its kind not only in the province but across the country. Up-gradation of the institute was a dire need of the hour through which MPhil and PhD programs in forestry and allied sectors could also be offered.
Agreeing to the proposals, the chief minister gave go-ahead to this effect and said that the provincial government was fully committed to extending all possible support for the purpose.
He said that up-gradation of the institute will provide opportunity of quality research and education to the students from across the country including K-P.
Meanwhile, the forum was also briefed about the revival of Forestry Commission Act 1999, Forest Wood lot Policy and revival of the Forest Development Corporation.
It was revealed that a draft of the amendments in rules under the forest policy was ready and a summary regarding Darmalak Special Game Reserve had also been moved for approval.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2022.