BANNU: President Mamnoon Hussain said here Wednesday that political stability was a pre-requisite for sustainable economic progress and development. He said that promotion of quality education, especially of science and technology, was vital to take the country to the new heights of glory.

The president was addressing students, parents and faculty members at the second convocation of the University of Science and Technology, Bannu, (USTB) where he conferred degrees and gold medals on 117 students and position holders at an impressive function.

Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, federal minister for housing Akram Khan Durrani, USTB vice-chancellor Prof Abid Ali Shah and provincial minister for higher education Mushtaq Ghani also spoke on the occasion.

The president inaugurated three projects, including Women University of Science and Technology (WUST), Students Startup Business Centre of the University of Science and Technology and Human Resource Development Centre.

Gives degrees to 117 students at Bannu varsity convocation

Speaking on the occasion, he said that political stability was inevitable for stability of economy and sustained economic development.

He said that Pakistan’s economy was moving in the right direction and the economic progress under the PML-N government was highly praised by the top monetary and financial organisations of the world. He said that the country’s reserves stood at about $20 billion due to the government’s goal-oriented economic policies.

Mr Hussain said that the positive and constructive role of educated people in national affairs besides countering negative propaganda was essential for stability in the country. He said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was a lifeline project for Pakistan that offered many job opportunities for the youth, and students must prepare themselves for taking advantage of this opportunity.

He said that CPEC would make Pakistan a very important country in the region besides bolstering trade and industrialisation by connecting peoples and states of the region. He emphasised on educational institutes and universities to equip students with latest technologies and engineering methods in the context of CPEC.

He said that CPEC would help promote industrialisation and business in the entire region besides bringing positive changes in the socio-economic attitudes.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2017