Education sole path to strong society & state, says CM

Pays tributes to ZA Bhutto for laying foundation of AIOU which helps distant learning at any age

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has reaffirmed his government's commitment to education, describing it as the only path to a balanced society and a strong state.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 2025 Convocation of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Sindh Chapter, held at the Bahria Auditorium, Karsaz here Sunday. Addressing a large gathering of graduates, faculty members and parents, the chief minister emphasized that the convocation was not merely a distribution of degrees but a celebration of a long intellectual journey fueled by patience, hard work, and hope. The chief minister paid rich tributes to the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, for envisioning an institution that broke the barriers of time, distance, and circumstances. "AIOU represents a vision where knowledge is a light that reaches the common man to transform the destiny of society," the CM stated. "Today, that vision has grown into a massive tree providing shade to millions of learners across Pakistan."

Shah shared an inspiring historical anecdote, noting that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, during her first tenure as Prime Minister, had enrolled in a short-term course at AIOU. This act, he said, symbolised that the beauty of leadership lies in the lifelong process of learning.

Congratulating the graduates, the chief minister remarked that their degrees were "receipts of success" and evidence of their internal strength and sacrifices. He urged the students not to view their education as a tool for personal gain alone but as a responsibility to promote social justice, tolerance, and human dignity. "You must use your knowledge for the intellectual growth of society," he told the students. "Sindh Government does not view education as a mere administrative matter; we see it as a guarantee for the nation's future." In a moving segment of his speech, the chief minister turned his attention to the parents. He acknowledged that their children's success was rooted in their silent sacrifices, often saving money for tuition at the expense of their own needs.

He also commended Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood and the faculty for keeping the 'lamp of knowledge' burning despite numerous challenges, ensuring that education reaches the doorstep of every seeker.

Chief Minister Murad Shah concluded by stating that his government was taking serious steps to expand opportunities for distance learning and lifelong education. He prayed for the graduates' success, urging them to make honesty, humanity, and national service their hallmark.