MANSEHRA, Feb 13: NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani has said the government is spending billions of rupees on promotion of education, adding that educated and skilled manpower is a must for development of a country.

Talking to faculty members and students of the Hazara University after performing the groundbreaking ceremony of reconstructions projects in the university on Wednesday, the governor said it was time that resources were efficiently utilised.

Referring to the importance of acquiring religious as well as modern education, Mr Ghani said Afghan fighters had defeated Soviet Union, the super power of that time, in their country, so the Taliban could also bring about a scientific revolution if they got modern education.

He said the world was monitoring terrorist activities in Pakistan and was thinking how the Pakistani nation would cope with the situation, adding: “I want to make it clear that Pakistan is a unique country which has faced many challenges in the past too but overcome all challenges.” “This time too Pakistan will overcome the present crisis bravely and in a dignified way.”

“Pakistan is ours and we will protect it against all odds and if the enemies think that they will defeat us in any field, including the fight against terrorism, they are at fault because we will never allow them to use our soil for their evil motives,” he observed.

According to a press release issued by the Hazara University, the governor launched a campus of the Hazara University in Havelian on Wednesday.

The campus, spreading over 1,134 canals of land, has initially started MBA, BBA and M.A. English classes and is expected to start five new disciplines next year.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the campus, the governor said the education sector was confronted with great challenges, adding that all stakeholders should play their due role to enable the country to move forward.

Pointing towards the youth, the governor said: “You are the future leaders of the country and you must equip yourselves with knowledge.” Mr Ghani, however, also stressed the need for a balanced approach towards education, saying while it was important to equip the youth with modern education “we must also not lose our Islamic identity and social, ethical, cultural values should be equally focused upon in this respect”.

Referring to points raised by university vice-chancellor Prof (Dr) Inshan Ali and coordinator of the Havelian campus, Prof (Dr) Syed Iqbal Shah, the governor assured them that the university would be provided with all sorts of support.

“Work vigorously and courageously and you will get all-out patronage and support to make the university a vibrant institution,” he said.