UPPER DIR: A three-day international botanical conference concluded at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU), Sheringal here on Saturday.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Dr Anwer Naseem of Karachi University urged the students to focus on research in order to compete with the world. He said the students should be proud of getting higher education in the remote area.

He said that SBBU had progressed fast in the remote but beautiful town of Sheringal. He said that the far-off region had immense talent, and asked parents to ensure that their children’s talent was used to get education.

“Change could only be brought through quality education, especially in science and technology to ensure a country’s progress,” he told the participants of the conference, which was attended by experts from across the country and abroad.

On the occasion, SBBU vice chancellor Dr Khan Bahadur, who is also president of the Pakistan Botanical Society, said the university was fast expanding and had acquired a unique status after the University of Peshawar. “The varsity has established

campuses in Chitral and Wari area of Upper Dir, and has also constructed one rest house each in the picturesque Kumrat valley and Jaaz Banda,” he pointed out.

Mr Bahadur said that classes in forest department would soon be started. He said that the conference provided an opportunity to guests to see the natural beauty and peace of the district. “I also urge the participants to inform people of your respective areas about the beauty and peace of Upper Dir,” he said.

Later, Dr Anwer Naseem and Dr Zabeta Khan distributed shields among the participants.

Published in Dawn, August 31, 2014