Supporting higher education: CM Khattak announces opening women universities in Swabi, Mardan

Nine other women universities sign MoU to strengthen collaboration, research.

PESHAWAR:

The provincial government has established two women’s universities in Swabi and Mardan, respectively.

This was announced by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak during a ceremony held in the city on Thursday. During the event, an MoU was signed between Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU) and eight other women universities from across the country. Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi, Government College Women University Sialkot, Lahore College for Women University and Kinnaird College for Women, are among the varsities who signed the agreement.

“The university has already been established in Swabi,” Khattak said. “Meanwhile, the university is in its final stage in Mardan and will become functional soon. Both institutes will aim to encourage women to pursue higher education. A range of facilities will be offered to them.”

Culture of collaboration

Addressing participants, SBBWU Vice Chancellor Dr Razia Sultana said the agreement aims to strengthen research collaboration among the universities.



“Furthermore, the MoU will provide students with internships and fellowships,” she said. “It will also enhance cooperation among the universities – especially when it comes to holding symposia, lectures and events.”

The VC also shed light on a series of projects which have been undertaken at the university.

“We have also signed agreements with USAID and a large number of US universities to ensure students are offered facilities,” she said. “The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has done a great deal to encourage women to seek an education and I am grateful for their endeavours.”

Sharing expertise

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Higher Education Mushtaq Ghani lauded the efforts made by SBBWU to bring all universities to share expertise with other varsities across the country.

“Although the provincial government is ready to fund universities, it cannot allow them to appoint more employees as it will create a burden on the exchequer,” he said. “However, the government is ready to provide funds for research and innovation because it is the need of the hour.”

According to Ghani, the PTI-led government also plans to provide free education to people suffering from disabilities.

“We are trying to ensure new university campuses have ramps and other facilities,” he said. “The government is planning to provide Rs1,000 per month to students who are not able to afford their educational expenses.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2015.