Joint intercropping project of IUB, University of China included in CPEC: Punjab Governor

Bahawalpur: Pakistan Punjab provincial Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has said that the joint intercropping project of Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) and the University of China had been included in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Presiding over the 17th Convocation of the IUB here, the Governor maintained that the IUB was currently undergoing development projects worth Pakistani Rs 12 billion of which Rs 4 billion has been allocated by the federal government for the construction of new campuses and faculties. “Development projects worth Rs 4 billion are being expedited under public-private partnership,” he added.

Sarwar, who is also the chancellor of the varsity, mentioned that Cholistan’s artificial rain settlement project should be started in the form of a pilot project. He also appreciated the research on cotton.

The Governor underlined that the government was taking many steps for the development and welfare of the youth. The government has made education, including in the field of higher education, one of its priorities. In this regard, he lauded the support from China and the development projects under the CPEC.

Sarwar reminded that the responsibility of the educational institutions was not only to provide education but also to create active citizens through the character building of youth who can give leadership to society.

“The current era is one of globalization based on economic competition. The path to development cannot be paved without promoting a knowledge-based economy,” he stressed.

He urged the students to find new ways to solve various problems of society and guide the country and the nation. He underscored that Bahawalpur is a city with great cultural heritage and intellectual heritage.

He highly appreciated the rapid development of the IUB, gaining world prominence in the rankings, extraordinary increase in the number of students and teachers, and congratulated the Vice-Chancellor Engineer Professor Dr Athar Mahboob, faculty and administration.

He acknowledged that the university had received wide acceptance of admissions from all over Pakistan and in a short span of 20 months, the number of students has increased from 13,000 to 53,000.

At present 40 percent of the students of the university are benefiting from various scholarships. Under the Hepatitis Campaign, IUB has become the first Hepatitis Free University in the country.

Similarly, the corona vaccination of teachers and students has been completed. More than 14 Selection Boards and 29 Selection Committees have provided jobs to 2218 teachers and non-teaching staff.

The number of teachers has increased from 500 to 1200. The Prime Minister of Pakistan recently inaugurated the 2.5 MW Solar Park, National Cotton Breeding Center, cricket Stadium, and other projects.

Sarwar noted that all these achievements are due to the full support of the federal and provincial governments, the hard work of the teachers, students and the support of the local community.

The governor along with IUB Vice Chancellor Professor Athar Mahboob conferred degrees on 60 PhD, 265 M.Phil, 108 Gold Medal, 104 Silver Medal, and 2022 BS, B.Sc, MA, and M.Sc graduates. Medals and degrees were awarded to 2347 graduates from the Session 2015-2019.

During his visit, the governor attended a special briefing in the office of the Vice-Chancellor where the later briefed him about the development and research projects of the university.

On this occasion, he also planted a sapling in connection with the Clean and Green Pakistan campaign. The governor inaugurated the new building of the University College of Art and Design built in the style of the historic Fort Drawer, the newly constructed teaching block consisting of classrooms and laboratories, and renovation of the mosque. He also paid a detailed visit to Baghdadul Jadeed Campus of the university.