The education is a dire necessity to build a society that is tolerant, peaceful and equitable in line with the great vision of the country’s founding fathers, said Punjab Chief Shahbaz Sahrif Minister on Wednesday while addressing as chief guest at the second convocation ceremony of Fazaia College of Education for Women, one of the three colleges for women being run by Pakistan Air Force Women’s Association (PAFWA) in the country.
Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Air University Islambad Vice Chancellor Air Vice Marshal (r) Faaiz Amer, Begum Shehla Tahir, president of PAFWA, and senior PAF officers were also present on the occasion.
Paying tributes to the army engaged in Operation Zarb-i-Azb against terrorists, he said that the nation stands united for this very brave initiative as it is geared to achieve a stronger and peaceful Pakistan.
He said the dastardly act by terrorists against innocent students in Peshawar on December 16 must never be forgotten, adding that 50,000 precious lives have been taken by the terrorists.
He asserted that the leadership of the country is fully committed to honour the sacrifices of all the martyred.
He re-affirmed the government’s commitment to promote education and make it available for the most “poorer of the poor”. In this context, he quoted the Danish School chain, the Punjab Education Foundation under which 1.4 million students got enrolled in schools over the years; the Education Endowment Fund which has now grown to have Rs 12 b in its kitty, 60,000 boys and girls from Punjab as well as other provinces benefitted from this fund for their education in prime institutions of the province.
The chief minister announced to give laptops to all the high achievers of the Fazaia College, as well as a modern multi-media lab for computer based education of students.
In particular addressing the graduating young women, the chief minister said he has great hopes from talented, educated and hard working youth of Pakistan.
Ending his speech on an optimistic note, he expressed with confidence that united leadership of the country will succeed in defeating terrorism and Pakistan would move forward on the path of progress, peace and development.
