No international sports events held in K-P for 15 years: Kundi

PESHAWAR:

In a recent statement, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi lamented the absence of international sports events in the province in the past 15 years.

Speaking to the media after the convocation ceremony at Allama Iqbal Open University’s K-P chapter, Kundi criticized the lack of sports development in the region.

He highlighted that significant political figures, including Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif should be able to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without hindrance.

He also emphasized the need for maturity in politics, often finding amusement in the statements made by political entities.

The Governor also addressed recent misinformation, clarifying that, contrary to claims in the Supreme Court, he had not received a summary for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. He assured that any such summary would be signed promptly upon receipt. Kundi expressed disappointment that the provincial government had only allocated Rs3 billion for universities whereas Punjab and Sindh had provided over Rs200 billion.

Governor Kundi pointed out the dire state of higher education in the province, noting that 26 universities were currently without Vice-Chancellors and nine did not have permanent appointments. He also mentioned the federal government’s commitment to completing major projects like the Chashma Canal Right Project.

The convocation ceremony at the Allama Iqbal Open University saw 246 graduates receive their degrees and 24 students being awarded gold medals. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood proudly stated that the university had 54 centres nationwide, including eight in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and offered 318 academic and skills programs.

Around 5 million students have graduated from the university to date. It was ranked 23rd out of 214 universities worldwide in 2023 and achieved the top position in Pakistan. The university also provides free education to transgender individuals and the children of martyrs and has 1,200 registered inmates receiving education there.