Education a must to defeat terror, says Shahbaz

CHIEF Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday said education is a dire necessity to achieve a society which is tolerant, peaceful and equitable in line with the great vision of the country’s founders.
He was addressing the second convocation ceremony of Fazaia College of Education for Women as chief guest.
Fazaia College of Education for Women is one of the three colleges for women being run by Pakistan Air Force Women’s Association (PAFWA) in the country.
Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, PAF, Vice-Chancellor Air University Islamabad Air Vice-Marshal (r) Faaiz Amer, Begum Shehla Tahir, President of PAFWA, and senior PAF officers were also present.
Paying tributes to Pakistan Army engaged in Zarb-i-Azb operation against terrorists, the chief minister said the nation was united for this very brave initiative as it was geared to achieve a stronger and peaceful Pakistan.
He said the leadership of the country was fully committed to honouring the sacrifices of all the martyred.
Shahbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promote education and make it available for the most ‘poor of the poor’. In this context, he quoted the Danish School chain, Punjab Education Foundation, under which 1.4 million students were enrolled in schools.
Education Endowment Fund, which has now grown to have Rs 12 billion in its kitty, 60,000 boys and girls from Punjab as well as other provinces benefitted from this fund for their education in the prime institutions of the province.
The chief minister announced giving laptops to all the high achievers of the Fazaia College as well as a modern multi-media lab for computer based education of students.
Addressing the graduating young women, chief minister said he had great hopes from talented, educated and hard working youth of Pakistan. Ending his speech on an optimistic note, Shahbaz Sharif expressed with confidence that the united leadership of the country would succeed in defeating terrorism and Pakistan would move forward on the path of progress, peace and development.
Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Raffique welcomed the chief guest and Principal Ms Naz Gul Syed highlighted college’s performance.
As many as 142 students were awarded BA, BSc, and BA Education (BEd) degrees on the occasion and position holders as well as those excelling in extracurricular activities were given medals by the chief minister Punjab.