PESHAWAR, Sept 14: Governor Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said the government is making sincere efforts to raise the standard of education in the tribal areas.

He hoped that the Razmak Cadet College would continue to educate the tribal youth in a better way.

Speaking as a chief guest at the 22nd Parents Day function of the Razmak Cadet College in North Waziristan Agency on Saturday, the governor said that the tribal students were bestowed with natural qualities and the government was determined to groom them in the best possible way.

Mr Shah said the government by establishing one of the best educational institutions in a far-flung area like Razmak had provided a good educational atmosphere to the students.

Therefore, he remarked, it was justified to expect from the tribesmen that they would also ensure provision of positive and pleasant environment to their children at home.

The governor asked the tribal elders to give pen in the hands of their children instead of arms, so that they could play a constructive role in building the nation.

He said the teachers, parents and students were equally responsible to promote education and all of them should perform their responsibilities in more effective manners.

Mr Shah asked the college officials to focus on the character building and moral boost of the students besides providing them quality education.

The governor eulogised the efforts of the college management for attaching priority to the information technology and giving the students opportunities to come at par with their counterparts of big cities.

He announced a grant of Rs1 million for upgrading the libraries and laboratories of the college, and approved a one- month salary bonus for every staff member.

The consultant of the college, Brig Bashir Hussain, while presenting the annual report, highlighted the achievements of the college and the performance of the students.

He said 500 boys, including 293 students from the tribal areas, were studying in the college, whereas the annual number of intake was 77 students in the 7th class.

Earlier, the students displaying their performance held a march past and presented a salute to the governor, who awarded flag to Khushhal House. The march past was led by cadet Ashfaq Ahmed.

Groups of cadets also presented gymnastics and physical endurance shows.

The governor gave away prizes and trophies to the students for their performance.

Cadet Ashfaq Ahmad was adjudged as the best cadet, whereas Khushhal House clinched trophy for being the best one and was given the championship trophy.

Khurram Munir was declared the best athlete, whereas Kashif Ali and Saad Rashid were given special prizes for getting top and third positions, respectively, in the intermediate examination of the BISE Bannu.

Later, Mr Shah inaugurated the newly constructed administration and science block.

The Inspector-General of the Frontier Corps, Maj-Gen Hameed Khan, Political Agent Sherzada Khan, MNA Maulana Naik Zaman, members of the board of governor of the college, tribal elders and parents of the students attended the ceremony.