Gilani underscores role of education in country’s development
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Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Tuesday said that Pakistan needs graduates who can solve problems, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the country’s development. He said that the country’s civil and military leadership deserves congratulations for its excellent role in promoting peace between the United States and Iran. The Chairman Senate expressed these views while addressing the annual convocation of the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) Topi in Swabi as the chief guest. Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that it was a great honor for him to attend the annual convocation on behalf of the President Asif Ali Zardari. While congratulating all graduating students, he said that their success was the result of their dedication and hard work. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to their parents and teachers, whose support had made this achievement possible. He said that GIKI has played a significant role in promoting quality higher education in Pakistan and that it is a matter of great pride that the institute is among the country’s leading institutions in computing, engineering, science, technology, and management. He added that GIKI plays a key role in promoting the knowledge economy, adding countries that prioritize knowledge and science & technology continue to progress, while those that rely on others for knowledge and fail to keep pace with modern educational and technological demands are left behind. Yousaf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan’s must focus on production instead of dependence, encourage innovation, and prioritize development. He said institutions such as GIKI have an important role to play in achieving these goals. He emphasized that universities should not be judged by the number of graduates they produce, but by the quality of their research and their ability to meet the demands of the modern world. The Chairman Senate further said that Pakistan has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with more than