KARACHI, Dec 22: Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Dr Attaur Rehman has said the establishment of University of Engineering, Science and Technology Pakistan, linking existing Maritime Education and Training in Pakistan Maritime Academy, is a major breakthrough.

Addressing the passing put parade of the 43rd batch of Pakistan Marine Academy here on Thursday, he said Pakistan was moving ahead in the process of transition from ‘agricultural economy’ to ‘knowledge economy’ because, he remarked, “the world is different today where agricultural and material sources are of diminishing importance.”

Prof Rehman told the audience that nine foreign universities – German, Australian, French, Italian, Chinese, South Korean and Swedish -- were proposed to be established in Pakistan. He said this would build a network of varsities and involved $250 billion.

He predicted that Pakistan would have some day when foreign students would come to Pakistan for higher studies.

Commandant Imran Ansari welcomed the chief guest and briefed him about landmarks of Pakistan Maritime Academy. Later, the HEC chairman gave away medals to the outstanding cadets.—PPI