PESHAWAR: Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmad Butt said Tuesday that education is pivotal for the development of a nation and focus on this sector is of prime importance to cope with the challenges of contemporary times.
He said this while addressing the regional “High Achievers Awards Ceremony 2017” at Army Public School (APS) Iqra Auditorium.
Begum Nazir Ahmad Butt, army officials, parents, teachers and students of APS from across the province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) students, attended the ceremony.
Addressing participants, Corps Commander Nazir said that students were the future of the country and they would face different challenges in the future, while adding that education was the prime tool that could help the youth face modern day challenges.
He said developed nations got their status due to their focus on quality education. He expressed the hope that students in the country would also utilise all their energies in pursuit of education and play a key role in the progress of the country.
The Peshawar Corps commander said that the youth should become a role model and beacon of light for others to guide and compel them for doing something positive for the development of the nation. He further said that being a great nation, Pakistani students should carry forward the message and teachings of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Muhammad Iqbal to others.
He also said that the country would soon be standing in the row of developed countries, therefore every citizen, especially students, have to work hard and take tangible steps in this direction. Education encouraged and enhanced the capabilities and personality of students, he added, while stressing that it was time for students to use their precious time for future development.
Nazir Ahmad also emphasised upon positive and constructive use of social media, saying that responsible use of social media could have positive effects on the society and the nation as a whole.
He also appealed to parents and teachers to keep a vigilant eye on their children to guide them in the right direction. On the occasion, he announced that the number of APS schools and colleges would be increased to 38 from 28 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA in the near future.
Earlier, the students presented national anthem and tableau, that depicted the unity of the nation. Later, the Peshawar Corps commander and his wife distributed cash prizes and certificates among the students and principals of army supported schools and colleges.