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July 25, 2008	Friday	Rajab 21, 1429

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ISLAMABAD, July 24: The Deputy Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday said that private-public partnership was essential for increasing literacy rate in the country.

He was speaking at the annual convocation of Hamdard University here in the auditorium of Pakistan National Council of Arts.

The Deputy Speaker said that in today’s knowledge-based global order, no nation could prosper without getting mastery over science and technology, high quality knowledge of medicines, environment and social sciences.

He said the government accorded priority to education, which was reflected by increased allocation in the budget 2008-09.

“However, the government alone cannot accomplish the gigantic task of achieving 100 per cent literacy”, he added.

Mr. Kundi said that private sector had played important roles in all sectors of the country’s economy including education, health and social sector amenities.

He appreciated the role of Hamdard University in imparting quality education in variety and disciplines and expressed hope that the university would continue its endeavours to further expand its circle to the remote areas of the country.

He also commended the services of Late Hakim Mohammad Saeed, Founder Chancellor of Hamdard University in the field of education and health.

Senator S.M Zafar the Chancellor of Hamdard University while highlighting the contributions of the Hamdard University said that the university had concentrating mainly on imparting technological and management sciences to prepare younger generation to meet the demands of the modern era.

He said that the University had started construction work on its new campus building in Islamabad.

Saadia Rashid, President Hamdard Foundation Pakistan and Dr Nasim A Khan, Vice Chancellor Hamdard University also addressed the ceremony. Later, the chief guest awarded degrees to successful graduates of the Hamdard University.