By Our Correspondent: Funding for public sector universities in Balochistan has increased from Rs2 billion to Rs10 billion, while their overall performance has doubled, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail said on Tuesday.
Addressing the 22nd convocation of the University of Balochistan in Quetta, the governor said sustained monitoring and government efforts had helped public universities overcome financial and academic crises, with several institutions now moving towards academic stability and financial surplus.
He said the University of Balochistan, the province’s oldest institution of higher learning, had improved its ranking and scoring from 44 per cent to 82 per cent within a short period, reflecting progress in its academic, administrative and research activities.
Mandokhail congratulated the graduating students and said 24 PhD scholars, 29 MPhil graduates and 58 position holders from BS programmes received degrees and gold medals at the convocation.
Emphasising the importance of modern education, he said obtaining a degree alone was no longer enough in an era driven by artificial intelligence, data science, renewable energy and technological innovation.
He urged graduates to develop practical skills, creative thinking, adaptability and strong ethical values to compete in the changing job market and contribute to society.
The governor said Balochistan had significant opportunities to benefit from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and emerging regional economies because of its strategic location, natural resources and access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar.
He stressed that young people must be equipped with modern knowledge and technical skills to benefit from these economic opportunities and play an active role in the province’s development.
Mandokhail also appreciated Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zahoor Ahmed Bazai and his team for improving the university’s performance. He assured the institution of continued government support to address its outstanding challenges.
Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani said Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Governor Mandokhail and the provincial cabinet had played a key role in helping public sector universities overcome financial and administrative difficulties and improve their academic and research standards.
She said the increase in university funding from Rs2 billion to Rs10 billion reflected the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening higher education.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zahoor Ahmed Bazai said his team had introduced positive changes through sustained efforts and dedication, helping the university overcome a severe financial crisis and move towards a surplus position.
He thanked the governor, chief minister, education minister and their respective teams for their continued support and cooperation.
The convocation was attended by MNA Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, Parliamentary Secretary Mir Liaquat Lehri, provincial lawmakers Zarak Khan Mandokhail, Hadiya Nawaz and Kulsoom Niaz Baloch, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Razzaq Shahwani, former provincial ombudsman Justice (retd) Saadatullah Khan Bazai, vice chancellors of public sector universities, college principals, educationists and researchers.
