TIMERGARA: Adviser to the chief minister on information and higher education Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani on Monday asked the universities to utilise the Rs500 million funds, the provincial government had earmarked, on real research work.

He was addressing the first Research Awards ceremony at the University of Malakand (UoM) as the chief guest.

Former governor retired Lt-Gen Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah, provincial minister for finance Muzafar Syed, MNA Junaid Akbar, MPA Bakht Baidar Khan and vice chancellor Prof Rehmat Ali Khan were in attendance.

Mr Ghani said the government planned to establish five more universities in the province in order to provide higher education to youth at their doorstep.

The CM’s adviser said there were 70 universities for a population of 100 million in Punjab, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had 24 universities for 20 million people. “This difference shows the KP government is sincere with higher education,” he said.

Mr Ghani said the government had bound the doctors and teachers to serve the people with zeal.

The faculty members who excelled in their research work were awarded research productivity awards. They were also awarded with commendation certificates and shields.

OATH TAKING: Minister for finance Muzafar Syed on Monday administered oath to the newly-elected members of the Chakdara sub-divisional bar association.

The minister appreciated the role of legal fraternity in restoration of democracy, peace and rule of law in the country.

He asked the lawyers to support the oppressed and resist the oppressor to create a just society. The minister announced to provide funds for the under-construction building of the bar.

PROTEST: The local chapter of chemists and druggists’ association on Monday held a protest rally against the drug act and demanded of the government to withdraw it. The chemists and pharmacists observed complete shutter down and walked on the road from the DHQ hospital and reached the press club. They were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans calling for withdrawing the drug act.

The association’s president Bacha Munir said the chemists and druggists would be forced to close down their businesses if the government did not withdraw the act.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2017