Development: ‘Govt committed to ending extreme poverty’

The country can progress if we focus on youth and educate them, says Abid Sher Ali.

FAISALABAD:

“The government is committed to alleviating poverty in the country… priority is being given to neglected districts,” Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali said on Saturday.

Addressing a cultural programme organised by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) at Iqbal Auditorium, he said imparting quality education was a prerequisite for development.

“The country can progress if we focus on youth and educate them,” he said. He said the government was utilising all available resources for this cause.



“The laptop scheme, doubling of quota for students from Balochistan, and fees waivers are some of the steps the government has taken in this direction.”

District Coordination Officer (DCO) Noorul Amin Mengal stressed the need for providing equal opportunities to the youth.

“A culture of hardwork and brotherhood needs to be promoted to overcome the challenges the country faces,” he said.

Mengal said the district government had started several projects to highlight Lyallpur’s heritage.

UAF Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the UAF had students from across the country. He said, “The university is taking steps to strengthen the agricultural sector through imparting education, research work and outreach programmes.”

Institute of Business Administration, Sukkur, Nisar Ahmad and MPA Mian Tahir Jameel were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2014.