CM opens institute of criminology at UoP

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Wednesday formally inaugurated the newly established institute of criminology and forensic sciences at the University of Peshawar (UoP) and performed the groundbreaking of various projects worth Rs3.23 billion under the Peshawar Uplift Programme Phase-II.

The chief minister also inaugurated the construction of technology development centre in Agriculture University, Peshawar.

The institute of criminology has been completed at a cost of Rs180 million. Currently, two academic programs, M.Sc criminology and BS criminology, are being run with a total of 274 students enrolled in the institute.

New academic programs, including PhD and MS/MPhil criminology, diplomas in forensic criminal investigation and cyber security are to be commenced.

The chief minister formally laid the foundation stone for Hayatabad trail under the Peshawar Uplift Programme Phase-II, which would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs1.22 billion.

Under the project, a 6-km bicycle and walking track along with service areas at five different sites would be established. The project also includes the construction of green belt, plantation, public toilets, tuck shops, gazebos, futsal field, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, outdoor gym and a roller skating rink.

Similarly, the chief minister formally performed the groundbreaking of beautification of University Road, University Town and Palosai Road to Peshawar Zoo. The project would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs160.95 million under which multiple construction and uplift activities have been planned including Markhor Square, Iqra Square, walkway in front of town market, beautification of Park Avenue Road to Iran Consulate and Palosai Road Intersection at University Road.

Besides, physical work on the improvement and construction of roads, footpaths, car parking and public toilets at the UoP have also been launched with a total cost of Rs140 million.

The chief minister also held the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of technology development centre (TDC) at the Agriculture University. Under this project, four sub centres would be established that include; horticulture centre, animal husbandry centre, climate change centre and business incubation centre.

Mahmood Khan said that the TDC will be established for technological advancement as well as adaptation to climate change in the region by introducing innovative technologies.

He said that the project would facilitate the agriculture sector in yielding optimum production results with minimum investment.

The project would also create the culture of entrepreneurship and provide solutions through indigenous technologies to the relevant industries, in addition to strengthening the outreach programme of the university.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2022.