KOHAT, Dec 14: Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has stressed the need for developing effective human resources and called upon higher educational institutions to improve this aspect because without it no country, having even rich natural resources, can prosper.

He said the country was in dire need of developing human resources in every field - from science faculties to the lower level of entrepreneurs -- to produce goods that could attract international buyers.

The governor announced a grant of Rs1 million for the Kohat University of Science and Technology during his address as chief guest at the ground breaking ceremony of a boys' hostel here on Saturday.

He asked vice-chancellor of the university Dr Zabita Khan Shinwari to submit a feasibility report for a medical college in Kohat so that work on it could begin next year. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the university and Smeda.

Speaking on the occasion, provincial chief of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) Tariq highlighted achievements of his organization.

Zulfiqar Hussain Gilani, Director of the Centre for Higher Education & Transformation, said there were many problems being faced by universities in producing the much needed human resources because of many factors. Earlier, the Vice-chancellor presented the welcome address and highlighted problems and achievements of the university.