Sohail Afridi pays unannounced visit to the university, interacts with students
Staff Report
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi paid an unannounced and informal visit to the Department of Economics at the University of Peshawar, where he interacted directly with students and held an extensive discussion on the overall academic environment and other related matters of the university. On this occasion, the Chief Minister directed the Vice chancellor to present viable proposals for achieving financial self-sufficiency of the university. While expressing his views on the provincial government’s ambitions for promoting education and research, the welfare initiatives launched for youth, and the province’s overall financial situation, the Chief Minister said that the corrupt cabal controlling the country had pushed Pakistan’s economy to the brink of collapse. He highlighted that this corrupt group sitting in the federal government committed an unprecedented corruption of Rs 5,300 billion, the consequences of which the entire nation is now facing. He stated that, in contrast, the provincial government believes in utilising public funds strictly for public welfare and development, and concrete measures are being taken in this regard. Despite discriminatory treatment from the federal government, the provincial government continues to deliver visible progress both in settled and merged districts. “If the federal government releases the province’s due rights on time, the ongoing journey of welfare and development can move forward with even greater speed and quality,” the Chief Minister added. Referring to the arrears owed to the province by the federal government, he said that over Rs 2,200 billion in net hydel profit remain unpaid to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Rs 1,375 billion under NFC for the merged districts also remain outstanding. He said that although the federal government had pledged Rs 100 billion annually for the merged districts, only Rs 168 billion had been provided in seven years, and Rs 532 billion were still due. He added that billions more in water charges were also pending with the federal government. The Chief Minister said that the provincial government is committed to securing the constitutional and legitimate rights of the province; however, for this purpose, the people, particularly the youth, must also raise their voices. He stressed the need for holding debates in all universities of the province on the issue of provincial rights, and said that young people must be fully aware of this situation. “The provincial government will raise its voice strongly against this injustice, and the youth must stand firm for the rights of the province,” he noted. Discussing the law and order situation, he said that decisions made behind closed doors had caused irreversible damage to the province. However, the present government is making every possible effort to ensure peace, stability, and development. The Chief Minister further stated that during Imran Khan’s government, GDP growth stood at 6.2%, whereas it has now fallen to 2.6%, which is evidence of the failed economic policies. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also sought comprehensive proposals for providing hostel students with food at subsidised rates. He announced the upgradation of the Economics Department’s computer lab and informed that the departments of Economics, Political Science, and IM Studies will be solarised at a cost of Rs 53 million, which will help improve the academic environment. He also announced that scholarships and special financial packages for students will be included in the upcoming budget, while the provincial government is rapidly working on an internship policy to create employment opportunities for youth. Addressing the students, the Chief Minister urged them to adopt hard work, awareness, and determination as their guiding principles, saying that the future of the province lies in the hands of its youth, and the government is fully committed to supporting them at every level.
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