Classes commence at Swat University

Residents of Swat happy after classes for all subjects for the 2010-11 session commence at University of Swat.

SWAT: A wave of happiness engulfed residents of the valley on Monday when classes for all subjects for the 2010-11 session commenced at the newly established University of Swat.

In 1973, during his trip to Swat, the then prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had announced the establishment of a university in the valley, but the plan, unfortunately, could not take shape.

Locals in the valley had long awaited the establishment of the university which was at last set up this year by the present government after an announcement made by the prime minister during his visit to Swat on May 29, 2010.

Professor Sher Alam, registrar of the Swat University, informed all admitted students through a press release that classes would begin on Monday, October 11, 2010. Alam also directed all students to make sure they attended the classes regularly from the date of commencement.

“At last the long awaited dream of a university for the people of Swat has come true. We struggled for a long time, we wanted a high standard university for our future generations who would have to go to Peshawar and other parts of the country for higher education,” said Riaz Khan, a social activist of Mingora. “Now our youth will get higher education in their own land. We are very happy.”

Azizur Rahman, a resident of Swat told The Express Tribune, “It is great to know that after the much awaited desire of the people of Swat, classes at the University of Swat started on Monday. Our dream is taking a pragmatic shape, I really hope and pray for the enhancement of the University.”

Sher Bahadar Khan, another resident of Swat studying in Sunderland University in the UK, told The Express Tribune, “It is a great pleasure to hear that the Swat University is going to spring up knowledge in the wake of the two big disasters, natural and man-made. It is a relief to note that peace, culture and civilisation will sprout rather than guns and bombs.”

“Let us promise to be known in the world as educated people, not terrorists,” Khan added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2010.