FAISALABAD, June 6: A focused approach has been adopted to promote higher education for the ultimate objective of economic growth, thus funds in this regard have been increased from Rs1 billion to Rs22 billion within the last four years.

This was stated by Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool while addressing the first convocation of the University of Faisalabad here on Tuesday night.

He said the government had taken timely and appropriate measures by improving infrastructure in existing universities, launching faculty training programmes, introducing new disciplines and departments, and establishing new varsities and campuses. These universities were producing highly educated and talented manpower to lead Pakistan in various fields of life, he said.

“Universities should produce educated youth capable of bringing about a positive socio-economic change, especially with reference to promoting tolerance and moderation,” he said.

The governor said: “The government had promised to provide quality education at affordable rates and we have honoured our commitment,” adding that most public sector universities are providing quality education at four times less rates compared to private institutes.

He appreciated the tremendous progress made by the university during the last four years. He also lauded the services of Muhammad Hanif, chairman of Madina Foundation, for the decision to start engineering, textile and medical programmes along with the traditional management science courses.

The governor later awarded degrees to graduates of the annual sessions of 2004, 2005 and 2006, and presented medals to position holders.

Khalid Maqbool also visited the under-construction sub-campus of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET).—APP