By, Dr Muhammad fazal ur Rehman.
A dignified ceremony was held at Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium to mark the completion of 52 years since the establishment of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan—one of the prominent institutions of higher learning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Founded on May 1, 1974, the university not only ranks among the oldest in the province but also holds a significant position in terms of student enrollment.
Despite security challenges, the event witnessed impressive participation from alumni, former vice chancellors, and faculty members who traveled from Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore, reflecting the success and importance of the occasion. The credit for organizing this successful event goes to Vice Chancellor Dr. Zafar Iqbal Baloch, Registrar Zahir Shah Marwat, Organizing Committee Head Dr. Noor Muhammad Marwat, and their dedicated team.
During the ceremony, former faculty members and senior alumni reminisced about the early days of the university, highlighting the hardships, limited resources, and unwavering determination that contributed to its establishment. Their reflections inspired the younger generation and reinforced a sense of academic commitment and pride.
The Chief Guest, General Officer Commanding Major General Mudassir Saeed, emphasized in his address that education, character building, and the rule of law are the cornerstones of national development. He noted that nations progress through continuous struggle and that both individuals and society must remain committed to this journey. He acknowledged the contributions of capable individuals in bringing Pakistan to its current standing, while also expressing concern over challenges such as extremism and intolerance.
He further stressed the need to counter misinformation and promote unity and cohesion, especially among the youth. Appreciating the role of teachers, he described them as nation-builders deserving utmost respect. Referring to external threats, he remarked that after facing defeat in direct confrontation, adversaries are now resorting to covert tactics, which can only be countered through national unity.
Former Vice Chancellor Mansoor Akbar Kundi, in his characteristic style, praised the current leadership and also pointed out the challenges and conspiracies faced by the institution.
On this occasion, Justice (R) Dawood shed light on the historical background of the university, noting that in the past, people of Dera had to travel long distances for higher education. Today, the university has produced a significant number of PhD scholars. He also highlighted the role of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in recognizing the region’s importance and supporting the establishment of Gomal University, while the first Vice Chancellor, Nawab Allah Nawaz Khan Sadozai, strengthened its foundation with personal resources.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Zafar Iqbal Baloch congratulated the university community on completing 52 years and shared key achievements, including the offering of 275 academic programs, hosting numerous international seminars and conferences, and saving 175 million rupees along with substantial fuel resources. He also mentioned that the university has been included in rankings for the first time and has achieved the Higher Education Commission’s X category. Initiatives such as open forums (Khuli Kachehri), scholarships, and solar energy projects were also highlighted.
Distinguished speakers including award-winning scientist Dr. Faiz Jalil, Professor Dr. Waqar Haider Bukhari, Dr. Iftikhar Shah, and DIG Motorway Police عمران شاہد also addressed the gathering. At the conclusion, Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Naimatullah Babar expressed gratitude to all participants.
The event was well-managed, with chief proctorial staff, security personnel, electrical teams, and staff welfare members ensuring excellent hospitality and guidance for the guests.
This ceremony not only revived cherished memories of the past but also conveyed a clear message for the future—that through collective efforts, academic excellence, and national unity, Gomal University can continue its journey toward greater progress.
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