Grants for universities will increase from next financial year, hopes Rana Mashood

Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Development Programme Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan on Wednesday visited the University of Karachi, where he was briefed about the under-construction football ground, the progress of the Youth Development Centre, the Green Youth Movement, and other projects in detail.

Officials said Mashood met KU Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shaista Tabassum, and Registrar Professor Dr Abdul Waheed, Incharge Higher Education Commission Pakistan Javed Ali Memon, Coordinator PM’s YDP Fahad Shafiq, Employment Promotion Expert at PM’s Youth Programme Madiha Aslam, Director Planning and Development Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, Engineer Muhammad Sohail, Director Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization Dr Syeda Hoor Ul Ain, Campus Security Advisor Dr Salman Zubair, focal point of engagement Dr Saima Ali, focal point of education Dr Sadaf Ahmed, focal point of environment Dr Farrukh Nawaz. During the meeting, Mashmood was briefed about the under-construction football ground, the progress of the Youth Development Centre, the Green Youth Movement, and other projects. The HEC Pakistan has funded the football ground project.

Later, he visited different locations of the university including the football ground site and YDC. Earlier, Acting VC Prof Dr Shaista Tabassum briefed the chairman of the PM’s YDP about the ongoing teaching and research activities on the campus. Talking about the football ground, she said such projects will provide ample opportunities for the youth to participate in extra-curricular activities.

KU Director P&D Saeed Shaikh shed light on the cost, remaining work, and estimated timeframe for the completion of the under-construction football ground. Director ORIC Dr Syeda Hoor Ul Ain and focal point persons talked about various projects initiated to improve the education system, environment, and eco-system in the country. They also pointed out projects planned to enhance entrepreneurship skills among youngsters. The visitors were also briefed regarding collaboration with different government, private, and international organisations and varsities on various projects.

Talking to the media persons, Rana Mashood expressed that today youth wants development which is also the vision of our PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

He mentioned that the PM’s Youth Programme was initiated by the then PM Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as he believed that this programme would show the right direction to our youth across the country. This programme can help youngsters achieve their dreams and provides opportunities to them so that they can accomplish their goals, he added.

Replying to a question, he mentioned that education particularly the higher education sector is always a priority of his government as they know that development is not possible without giving priority to the education and research sector.

He pointed out that grants to the HEC Pakistan were deducted after 2018, and due to financial conditions, there was a proposal to stop funding for the universities, but PM Shahbaz Sharif rejected the idea and ordered providing funds to all universities of Pakistan.

Rana Mashood said that he is hopeful that from the next financial year, grants of varsities will increase as it used to be in their previous governments. We are trying to give all available opportunities to our youth so that they can show their talent and skill to the world.