Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that higher education was the guarantee of a bright future for the province and educated youth were the real strength of Pakistan. He expressed these views while addressing the seventh convocation ceremony of ABASYN University as chief guest. 

The ceremony was attended by Chancellor Dr Muhammad Imranullah, Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Umar Farooq, teachers, students, parents and people from different walks of life. The Governor said that every graduate was a new architect of the province’s future and urged the youth to become ambassadors of innovation, research and development instead of merely seeking jobs. 

He said that the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possessed immense talent and should acquire modern education and market-oriented skills to meet contemporary challenges. Governor Kundi said that the University had played an important role in promoting quality education and research, adding that teachers were the real builders of the nation whose services deserved appreciation.

 He termed the sacrifices of parents as the foundation of a bright national future and advised the youth to adopt honesty, hard work and strong character as their identity. He said nations progressed through individuals who adhered to honesty and principles, and reiterated that Governor House would continue supporting positive youth initiatives and educational activities.

 Talking to media after the convocation, Governor Kundi said that the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly had invited a meeting on the issues of CNG closure and wheat transportation. He said that Prime Minister had constituted a committee on the CNG closure issue through joint efforts of the opposition and provincial government, adding that representatives of both sides would soon meet the Federal committee. 

The Governor said the court had ordered that CNG stations should not remain closed and urged the provincial government to implement the court’s decision. Referring to wheat transportation issues, he said that wheat supply remained suspended while smuggling had forced people to buy expensive wheat. “We do not seek wheat from the federation, but demand our due share of water,” he said, adding that if the province received its rightful share of water, there would be no need to procure wheat from other provinces.

 He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was providing cheap electricity to the federation without seeking political benefit from it. Governor Kundi said that the province was greatly affected by terrorism and security forces were rendering immense sacrifices for peace. He urged the provincial government to focus on public issues instead of “Adiala politics” and said the opposition was playing an important role in provincial affairs. 

He said that the opposition stood with the government on provincial issues and added that all provincial rights could be secured from the federation through dialogue and negotiations. The Governor stressed the need for improving governance and eliminating terrorism in the province. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)