ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday emphasised the need for building “technology highways” in the country by enhancing students’ access to IT infrastructure, strengthening educational programmes, and equipping them with modern skills to help them fully benefit from the knowledge economy.

“Providing laptops to students would increase their access to education, bridge the digital divide, and equip them with technology skills to help them compete in the national and international job markets,” the president expressed these views while talking to Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU).

On the occasion the president suggested reward of Rs1 million for toppers in different programmes.

The VC briefed the president about the role of QAU in providing quality education, its educational programmes, and other administrative affairs of the University.

President Zardari said Pakistan was blessed with abundant human resources, which needed to be converted into a strength by imparting the latest education and skills to them. He highlighted that Pakistan needed to train and educate its human resources, which could be exported to foreign countries facing a shortage of trained professionals to help Pakistan earn foreign exchange.

He said universities were pivotal in producing skilled professionals, who could fulfil local and international market needs.

The president remarked that Pakistan needed to focus on producing more professionals such as doctors, engineers, nurses, and teachers.

During the meeting, the VC said that QAU was one of the top-ranking universities in Pakistan and held 315th position in global rankings.

He apprised the president that the QAU was focusing on research that could have a positive impact on society, adding that digitalization was the top priority of the university.

The president urged the need to further improve the quality of education, besides focusing on the character-building of students. He said that top position holders of QAU should be given presidential awards with cash to encourage students in their studies.

He appreciated the role of QAU in Pakistan’s academic sector and assured the VC of his support in getting the financial issues of the varsity addressed by taking it up at the appropriate forum.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2024