HARIPUR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur inaugurated the newly-established School of Paramedical Sciences and Technology Park at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology here on Thursday.

Opposition leader in National Assembly Umar Ayub Khan, provincial ministers Meena Khan Afridi and Arshad Ayub, and other officials accompanied the chief minister.

The School of Paramedical Sciences, established at a cost of Rs283 million with the support of provincial government, currently offers 38 bachelor’s, 18 master’s, and eight PhD programmes in various fields of health education.

The school also offers diploma courses in 20 different disciplines. The Technology Park, developed at a cost of Rs992 million, was also inaugurated during the visit.

Speaking at the event, the chief minister announced Rs300 million grant for the School of Paramedical Sciences. He said that the school was a reflection of the provincial government’s commitment to improving healthcare sector through collaboration. “This institution will serve as a milestone in meeting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s demand for skilled paramedical manpower,” he stated.

The chief minister also termed establishment of Technology Park a historic step for promoting advanced technology in the province. “The park will play a crucial role in fostering a technology-driven economy, encouraging research commercialisation and supporting small and medium enterprises,” he remarked.

He said that graduates of Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute were making a mark both nationally and internationally. He lauded the administration and faculty for their efforts in transforming the institute into a premier educational facility.

Mr Gandapur said that government was focussing on health and education. “Investment in youth will transform them into valuable assets. The government is committed to the vision of its founding chairman by prioritising human development,” he added.

Emphasising the importance of women’s empowerment, he asked parents to invest in their daughters’ education and guide their children towards fields aligned with their interests for better career prospects. He urged youth to set ambitious goals and work diligently. “Success and recognition in life demand hard work, which has no substitute,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2024