578 awarded degrees, gold medals at UET convocation

PESHAWAR: About 578 graduates were awarded degrees and gold medals at the convocation of University of Engineering and Technology (UET) here on Friday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Friday awarded bachelor’s, master’s, PhD degrees and gold medals to the graduates.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi, UET faculty and management, graduates and their parents also attended the convocation.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister, who is also the chancellor of the university, felicitated the graduates, their parents and faculty members. He urged the graduates to work hard in their respective fields to bring pride to the province and the country.

The chief minister also urged the graduates to pursue research and technology, as these fields offer vast opportunities. “Significant steps are being taken to promote the industrial sector in the province to create employment opportunities for graduates,” he said. He said the upcoming budget would include a loan scheme for doctors, engineers and other professionals, enabling them to establish their own startups and companies instead of seeking jobs, thereby generating employment for others.

The chief minister said that the provincial government had announced the seed money of scholarships endowment fund for students and was providing opportunities for them to study abroad on scholarships.

Additionally, he announced plans to make education completely free for female students in the province, emphasising that only an educated mother can create an educated and civilized society. Similarly, he said, efforts were also underway to provide free education opportunities to orphan children.

The chief minister said that his government inherited financial challenges in various sectors but was working hard to overcome those challenges and make institutions self-sufficient. When the incumbent government assumed the office, he said, the universities faced liabilities of 72 billion rupees, which have now been reduced to Rs24 billion. He assured that a new mechanism is being developed to resolve salary and pension payment issues in universities, ensuring that they become self-sustainable.

Ali Amin Gandapur termed the UET Peshawar a prestigious institution not only for the province but for the entire country. He praised the university for producing renowned professionals in engineering and technology and for adapting to modern demands by introducing new programmes.

UET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Qaisar Ali expressed his gratitude to the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Higher Education Department KP, HEC and guests. He congratulated the graduates and their parents on their marvelous achievements.

He said UET Peshawar has produced 25, 800 alumni since its inception in 1952 who have been serving the nation in leading positions. He acknowledged that no university can sustain itself without government support; however, highlighted that UET Peshawar has made a significant shift in generating revenue by introducing new programs with market demand, focusing on energy efficiency, and optimizing human resources. The Vice Chancellor presented the university shield to the chief guest and minister for Higher Education.