SWABI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that creation of knowledge-based economy is a prerequisite for progress and prosperity of the country in the rapidly changing scientific and technological era.

The governor, who presided over the 20th convocation of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, was the chief guest on the occasion.

He conferred degrees on 339 BS and 23 MS graduates. Quaid-i-Azam medal was awarded to Talha bin Asad and Ghulam Ishaq Khan Medal to Mohammad Arslan Ali.

Those who got the faculty-based gold medals included Shahbaz Ali, Attaullah Khan, Abdul Samad Shah, Mohammad Arslan Ali, Noman Ahmed Khan, Burhan Shabir, Hashim Shah, Ehtisham Gillani and Munir Ahmad.

339 BS and 23 MS graduates of GIK Institute get degrees

The governor said that advancement in diverse fields required a radical change in the outlook and attitude towards issues and problems.

“If we want to survive as a respectable and respected nation in the world community we will have to keep pace with the rapidly advancing world,” he said.

He said that today science, engineering and technology were making unbelievable strides while distances had been reduced and concept of a global village was now well established.

In the present world, the role of engineers has become highly significant, he said, adding that Pakistan needed a new breed of competent engineers who possessed the ability to accept the emerging challenges, the dedication to pursue higher goals and the professional skills to play the role of troubleshooters and problem solvers.

However, Mr Jhagra cautioned that mere professional dexterity, devoid of a high sense of moral integrity, was worthless.

In societies with weak moral fiber, corruption destroys the very vitals of social, political and economic systems, he said.

While producing experts in different branches of knowledge, the educators should also inculcate in the students the habit of critical thinking.

“Our younger generation must possess a moral attitude which inculcates in them a sense of putting the national good above their personal gains,” he said.

The governor said that GIK institute was one of the most prestigious institutions for engineering education and result-oriented research in the country.

He said that rehabilitation of IDPs and imparting quality education to the people of tribal region were among his top priorities.

The governor announced Rs1 million for the GIK Institute and Rs10,000 for each of the gold medalists. Engr Shamsul Mulk, president of the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan, said that human progress and prosperity was linked with modern education.

Jehangir Bashar, rector of GIK Institute, said that they were striving to produce graduates who could make substantial contributions to the society.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2016