The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director John Groarke and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif inaugurated a new research centre at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, on Monday. The research centre was constructed with the support of the U.S. government.
Highlighting United States long-term commitment to strengthen Pakistan’s education sector and help find practical solutions for the country’s energy challenges, Mission Director Groarke stated, “These new buildings will house academic programs that will help shape the future of Pakistan and set new standards of success for both, men and women, especially in the energy engineering profession.”
The new four-story, 60,000 square foot building includes five classrooms, eight state-of-the-art energy laboratories, a seminar hall, conference rooms, library, multiple office spaces, and elevator access for persons with disabilities.
Minister Asif expressed his appreciation for the assistance of the American people, saying: “The provision of better-equipped research facilities with the assistance from the U.S. government is a testimony to our continued efforts and commitment to improving the quality of education in our country and solving our energy issues.”
Minister Asif also thanked United States for assisting Pakistan in many other projects, including construction of two hydel and irrigation facilities, Gomal Zam in KPK and Kurram Tangi in FATA.
In collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the new research centre at NUST is expected to become one of Pakistan’s premier sustainable energy think tanks. NUST Rector Lieutenant General (r) Naveed Zaman acknowledged USAID’s assistance by stating, “The role of USAID in the promotion of education is admirable. The centre will produce skilled graduates and set new standards for supporting success of women and disadvantaged youth in the engineering profession”.
The United States, through USAID, is providing $20 million for the construction of four new research centres at Pakistani universities. This initiative is part of USAID’s larger $127 million investment that will harness applied research to find innovative solutions for Pakistan’s energy, water, agriculture, and food security challenges.
