Minister vows to address financial woes of KP varsities

PESHAWAR: Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi on Friday said the government was committed to addressing the financial crises faced by universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

An official handout said that the minister expressed these views during the inauguration of a 750 KW solar system at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar.He unveiled the solar system plaque and formally inaugurated it by pressing the solar activation button.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the universities struggling with financial challenges would soon be relieved of their difficulties. He added the government was aiming to drive universities and other institutions towards sustainability and green energy.

ProVice-Chancellor and Dean Prof Dr Dawood Jan, Registrar Dr Rizwan Ahmad, Dean Prof Dr Iftikhar Hussain Khalil, Dean Prof Dr Abdul Rehman, Dean Prof Dr Shah Alam Khan, Dean Prof Dr Zafarullah Khan, Treasurer Dr Abdul Salam, Engineer Kamran Khan, faculty members, and administrative staff attended the event.

Director of Works Engineer Zarif Khan briefed the minister.

Dr Jehan Bakht welcomed the minister with a bouquet and expressed gratitude for his continued efforts in the development and promotion of higher education. He highlighted the minister’s support in resolving challenges faced by the university.

The vice-chancellor said the University of Agriculture was the first institution that took step towards the green energy initiative. He stated that the solar system would provide financial benefits to the university and reduce environmental pollution besides lowering electricity expenses.

He said another ongoing solar project would soon be completed. Regarding the ongoing academic and development projects, he added the university had always focused on providing quality education. He said the graduates of the university were making contributions at the provincial, national and international level in the fields of agriculture, livestock, management, and Information Technology.Later, the minister planted an Araucaria tree to mark the tree plantation campaign at the university. The vice-chancellor presented a shield to the minister.