KOHAT: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved an additional grant of Rs1 billion for completing the construction of Liaquat Memorial Women and Children Hospital, says an official.

The work on the project, which was inaugurated by then chief minister Pervez Khattak in 2018 at a cost of Rs1.2 billion, was stopped in 2019.

Speaking to reporters, Eng Imdad Bangash, sub-divisional officer of communications and works department, recalled that the building of then Liaquat Memorial Hospital, which was built in 1952, had started crumbling in 2000 and was declared dangerous for patients and staff afterwards.

The facility, which is know a women and children hospital, caters to the needs of patients from as far as Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu and Karak districts with an extra load of Afghan refugees.

During a visit to the project site on Monday, law and parliamentary affairs minister Aftab Alam and district development advisory committee chairman MPA Shafi Jan said now there was no obstacle left in ‘smooth’ execution of the project after the approval of the funds by the government.

The lawmakers were also accompanied by deputy commissioner Abdul Akram.

CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE: The Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) and Fata University Darra Adamkhel hosted a weeklong capacity building programme for the management professionals from public sector varsities.

The initiative was held in collaboration with National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) under the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

The training programme saw the participation of 28 professionals, including 12 from Fata University and 16 from KUST.

KUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Naseeruddin was the chief guest at the closing ceremony on Monday.

Tahir Mehmood, focal person of the training programme from NAHE, and FATA University Vice-Chancellor Dr Alamzeb Aamir were also present.

Prof Naseeruddin highlighted the importance of such programmes in bridging knowledge gaps and strengthening leadership within the academic sector.

He emphasised its impact on improving management practices within higher education institutions. He praised the visionary leadership of Dr Alamzeb Aamir for his unwavering commitment to fostering academic and administrative excellence in the region.

He noted that collaborations like these were crucial for driving progress in the educational landscape of the country.

Dr Aamir expressed heartfelt gratitude to the key contributors who made the programme a success.

He acknowledged the instrumental support of Dr Noor Amna Malik, managing director NAHE, whose vision and encouragement brought the initiative to fruition.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024