March 15, 2002	Friday	Zilhaj 30, 1422

KARACHI, March 14: Provincial minister for education Prof Anita Ghulam Ali has exhorted college principals to utilise private funds for minor development works in colleges.

Addressing as chief guest at the annual prize distribution ceremony at Abdullah Government College on Thursday, the minister said that a significant amount was available at the disposal of college principals and that should be used for minor construction works and other requirements of urgent nature.

Referring to the shortage of teachers at the college, she told the audience that a number of teachers had been selected by the SIndh Public Service Commission for the existing vacancies in different colleges in the province, and she had moved the competent authorities to order immediate posting of those.

She appreciated the college staff and students for their academic and extra curricular activities, different development projects, including the construction of computer laboratories. She also urged the students of the college to engage in community service as well, particularly in the nearby rural areas.

Earlier, in her report, the college principal Prof Razia Zafar highlighted the achievements by the college teachers and students in raising the standard education there for better results.

She mentioned that the pass percentage of her students in the HSC annual examination was around 75, while in the degree class examinations the result was 100 per cent.

She informed the minister that a computer laboratory had already been completed at the college, while the release of fund was awaited for the completion of another computer lab. She said that the college was faced with the problem of teachers’s shortage both in the Science and Humanities faculties, which should be addressed on priority basis.

The executive district officer (education), Prof Raees Alvi and a senior teacher of the college Prof Razia Qureshi also spoke on the occasion. The education minister was also presented with the college crest by the principal.

A number of students were awarded for their distinguished performance in examinations, extra curricular competitions and sports events. One of the teachers said that during the last one month the college students had won about a dozen of awards and titles at different events held at other educational institutions.

Saima Wahab was declared the student of the year of the college, while Rehana Yasmeen was adjudged to be the best proctor and Shabana Kanwal was awarded for being the best athlete of the college during the year.

Roohi Bano was awarded for securing 88 per cent marks in Chemistry, Sarwat Sultana for securing 96 per cent marks in Islamiat. Shakira Hussain was awarded for securing 90 per cent marks in Pakistan Studies. Amber Salim was awarded for the best performance in Na’at Khawani and national songs.