LAKKI MARWAT: The Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, organised the first-ever convocation with great enthusiasm and academic spirit, awarding degrees to 253 graduating students from various disciplines.

Minister for higher education Meena Khan Afridi was the chief guest, while Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Tahir Khalily presided over the event.

Karak deputy commissioner Asad Sarwar and district police officer Imran Khan were also in attendance.

Degrees were awarded to 196 BS graduates, eight students from BA, BSc and B.Ed programmes, two MS graduates, 28 MPhil scholars, and 19 Master’s degree holders.

In recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, 75 students were also awarded gold medals.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Khalily congratulated the graduates, gold medalists and their families on achieving academic excellence. He highlighted the university’s educational facilities and academic activities, as well as the challenges the institution faces.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Afridi congratulated the graduates and appreciated the university administration for successfully organising the institution’s first convocation.

He emphasised the crucial role of higher education institutions in shaping the country’s future and encouraged youth to prepare themselves for modern-day challenges through education, research and innovation.

The minister advised students to use their knowledge and abilities for the betterment of society and national development.

On this occasion, the provincial minister also inaugurated three major development projects at the university to help improve its educational and administrative infrastructure. These projects included powering an 11KVA feeder, solarisation of the administration block, and the establishment of a modern neurofeedback clinic.

The minister was informed that the neurofeedback clinic is the first facility of its kind established within a university in Pakistan.

These projects would strengthen the university’s energy resources, promote sustainable infrastructure, and provide advanced healthcare and research facilities on campus.

Students described the day as one of the most memorable and significant moments of their academic careers.

They also expressed their determination to step into professional life with dedication and to utilise their potential for the progress and development of their country and the region.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2026