PESHAWAR, Dec 8: NWFP Minister for Information Technology Hussain Ahmad Kanju has asked the youth to focus on software and hardware engineering because the province lacked expertise in the two disciplines. Consequently, the province often had to rely on other provinces.

He was speaking at a prize-distribution ceremony held in connection with the City University Software Mania 2006 and a book fair by the City University of Information Technology the other day. City University president Sabur Sethi, deans of various faculties, IT professionals and students attended the ceremony. IT professionals belonging to different universities participated in the competitions.

Mr Kanju called upon the youth to focus on research and urged them to use their know-how for the prosperity of the country.

Referring to different IT projects in the public sector, the minister said the government was considering completing projects through private companies. He said that this would open up opportunities for practical work, besides generating jobs.

Later, the minister gave away trophies and shields to winners of various competitions. — PPI