Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi recently expressed concern over the absence of international sports events in the province for the past 15 years. He shared his thoughts during a media interaction following a convocation ceremony at Allama Iqbal Open University’s K-P chapter.
Kundi criticized the lack of sports development in the region and stressed the importance of allowing prominent political figures like Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without obstacles. He also highlighted the necessity for political maturity, often finding amusement in the statements made by various political entities.
Addressing recent misinformation, Kundi clarified that he had not received any summary for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, contrary to claims in the Supreme Court. He assured that any such summary would be promptly signed upon receipt. Expressing disappointment, he noted that the provincial government had allocated only Rs3 billion for universities, while Punjab and Sindh had allocated over Rs200 billion.
Kundi emphasized the precarious state of higher education in the province, mentioning that 26 universities lacked Vice-Chancellors, and nine had no permanent appointments. He also mentioned the federal government’s commitment to completing major projects like the Chashma Canal Right Project.
The convocation ceremony at Allama Iqbal Open University celebrated 246 graduates receiving their degrees and 24 students being awarded gold medals. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood proudly stated that the university operated 54 centers nationwide, including eight in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, offering 318 academic and skills programs.
With around 5 million graduates to date, the university ranked 23rd out of 214 worldwide in 2023 and topped the list in Pakistan. It offers free education to transgender individuals and the children of martyrs, with 1,200 registered inmates receiving education there.
