KARACHI, Feb 22: Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan said that Pakistan with its limited fossil reserves needs to install more nuclear power plants observing all necessary precautions as this source of energy was comparatively cheaper , cleaner and more environment friendly as compared to other conventional sources of energy.

He was speaking as chief guest at the Convocation 2005 of the KANUPP Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering (KINPOE) at its premises here on Tuesday. The governor said that the nuclear power being safe, cost-competitive, reliable and environmental friendly was to play a key role towards meeting the country's energy needs.

Dr Ibad said that the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) was serving the country and its people in many ways and added," However, energy generation remains one of, if not the most important, its commitments." Lauding the role of KINPOE in imparting the advanced nuclear engineering education he said that there should be no compromise on the quality of manpower.

The governor added," Well organized, disciplined and competent institutions can make the country ready for steady growth, development and prosperity by conquering new frontiers of knowledge."

"Pakistan's progress and prosperity lies in making its institutions stronger. Availability of trained and competent manpower and its optimum utilization is the key factor for achieving timely and quality targets. Producing technically competent manpower requires institutions capable of imparting state-of-art education in science and technology", he said.

Dr Ibad also highlighted the importance of human resources in the success of any country. The governor said the present government had substantially increased its budget for education, especially higher education.

Dr Ibad noted with satisfaction that KINPOE in affiliation with the NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, had been conducting the Master of Engineering program in nuclear power since 1994 and that other training programs for engineers and sub-engineers were also underway.

He was delighted to know that after completing 30 years of safe operation, the KANUPP had been licensed for extended operations. Earlier KINPOE Director Dr Khalid Mahmood Bukhari presented report of the institute, while PAEC Chairman Pervez Butt presented the welcome address. NED University Vice-chancellor Engineer Abul Kalam was also present.

The vice-chancellor of NED University of Engineering and Technology, Engineer Abul Kalam, conferred degrees on 81 graduates in Masters of Nuclear Power Engineering. The governor also awarded degrees, gold medals and certificates of merit to the students and teachers. Later, Dr Ibad witnessed a scientific exhibition. -PPI/APP