Islamabad
Considering investment in human capital the need of the hour, the government is seriously focusing on promotion of higher education in the country.
This was stated by President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan while addressing a large gathering of educationists, intellectuals, senior members of civil bureaucracy and graduating students and their parents on the occasion of 34th convocation of the Preston University, Kohat-Islamabad Campus, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre here on Monday.
Sardar Masood Khan, who was the chief guest on the occasion, thanked Chancellor of Preston University Dr. Abdul Basit and his team members for inviting him to chair the event.
He congratulated more than 400 successful graduates, who were awarded bachelor's, master's and Ph.D degrees in various disciplines.
He specially appreciated the 36 students who were awarded gold medals for performing outstandingly in their respective academic programmes.
While addressing the graduates he said "dear students, your untiring efforts have made it possible for you to witness today perhaps one of the happiest days in your lives. The credit of your success also goes to your mentors who, I am sure, must have worked with unwavering dedication to impart state-of the-art education and knowledge to you. Their efforts must be recognised as well, and I heartily congratulate them for a job they have done so wonderfully well."
The AJK president said the success of any nation largely depended on its educated human capital.
"Adequate and sustained investment in human capital was, therefore, the need of the hour and was absolutely essential for socio-economic, and political development of the country," he said.
He further maintained that the incumbent government fully realised the importance of educating its present and upcoming generations, and was accordingly making sustained endeavours to attain this extremely important national goal.
Lauding the endeavours of the Preston University to impart quality education to its students, the AJK president said the university's contribution in this regard has truly been remarkable.
He appreciated the role played by the university in promoting the cause of higher education in the country, over the past more than two decades.
He said the students who have had the privilege to study at Preston University, should consider themselves fortunate to have been able to do so.
"As this educational institution has the distinction of being the pioneer in private sector higher education in Pakistan. It also has the credit of providing the domestic and international job market more than 100,000 graduates since its inception in 1984," he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address on the occasion the Chancellor of Preston University, Dr. Abdul Basit welcomed the chief guest Sardar Masood Khan, President of AJK to the 34th convocation of the university's Islamabad Campus.
Dr. Basit said that the presence of the AJK president at a very important event of Preston University was indeed a matter of great honour not only for the institution but also for the graduates who were being awarded degrees on the occasion.
In his address, Dr. Basit also briefly outlined the history of Preston University and highlighted its achievements since its creation in 1984. Dr. Abdul Basit heartily congratulated the successful graduates who were awarded Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D degrees at the convocation. He particularly appreciated the students who were awarded gold medals and certificates of commendation for performing exceptionally well in their respective disciplines. Dr. Abdul Basit expressed the hope that the graduates who have accomplished a vital milestone in their educational career today will also do exceptionally well in their practical lives and career. He wished them all the very best in their endeavours to serve Pakistan and the Pakistani nation.