PESHAWAR: Bulgarian Ambassador to Pakistan Irena Gancheva has praised the remarkable progress made by Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, in various academic and research fields in a short span of 15 years and expressed her country’s desire to collaborate with it in various academic and research programmes.

She stated this while speaking to Vice-Chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq during a visit to KMU, according to a statement issued on Friday.

Beside others, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Lal Mohammad Khattak, Registrar Prof Mohammad Saleem Gandapur, deans and heads of various departments were also present.

Ms Gancheva said she was delighted to learn that KMU was the sole medical university in the province, which had earned a good name and reputation through its outstanding academic and research activities.

She said medical institutes were of special importance in serving the suffering humanity and prestigious medical universities like KMU could play a vital role in addressing the health-related challenges faced by the society.

Irena Gancheva said there was a huge potential for interaction and cooperation between KMU and Bulgarian medical universities in various fields, in addition to exchanging students and faculty. She said KMU and Bulgarian universities could collaborate on PhD and master’s programmes as well as some short-term joint courses.

She said Bulgaria was much cheaper than other European countries where vast opportunities existed for students of Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to pursue higher education.

The Bulgarian envoy also visited the KMU vaccination centre and the public health reference lab, and appreciated the facilities provided there. “I would like to come to KMU vaccination centre for my booster dose, and also expect that the university will continue its all-round services with the same enthusiasm.”

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Dr Ziaul Haq briefed her on the 15 years progress of KMU in academic and research activities.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2022