20 June 2004	Sunday	01 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

QUETTA, June 19: Balochistan Ombudsman Malik Sikandar Khan has urged the teachers to perform their duties with honesty and devotion to build a nation that could discharge its obligations in the best interest of the country.

Speaking as the chief guest at a training workshop for teachers, organized by the Balochistan Academy for College Teachers here on Saturday, he also exhorted the students to concentrate on their studies and give due respect to their teachers as members of a civilized nation.

"Our education system is degenerating due to several reasons which we should consider thoroughly and take steps for solutions," he said, and added that it was essential to face the present day challenges and enter the world community as a dignified nation.

Referring to Uganda, he said, he observed their education system closely when he was Pakistan's ambassador there and found that they gave much respect to teachers. Their social and economic status was high, he added.

The educated people there craved for seeking job in the education department, he said, and added that the situation in Pakistan was quite contrary and "we need to change it".

The ombudsman lauded establishment of the academy and its training quality and expressed the hope that the teachers who had acquired training from the academy would be able to teach the students confidently.

Director colleges Riaz Baloch, academy chairman Prof Dr Atta Miran and other concerned officials also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the ombudsman gave away certificates to participants of the workshop.-APP