Governor hails turnaround of public universities at University of Balochistan’s 22nd convocation

QUETTA, Nov 11 (APP): Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail on Wednesday said that the province’s public sector universities have witnessed a remarkable improvement in performance, overcoming years of financial and academic challenges through sustained reforms, oversight and institutional support.
Addressing the 22nd Convocation of the University of Balochistan, the governor said that the overall performance of all public universities in the province had doubled as a result of continuous efforts, effective monitoring and collaborative governance.
“Universities that were once grappling with severe financial and academic crises are now moving towards educational stability and have reached a surplus financial position. This is an achievement of which we can all be proud,” he said.
Jaffar Mandokhail highlighted the progress of the University of Balochistan, describing it as the province’s premier institution of higher learning. He noted that the university’s ranking and scoring had increased from 44 per cent to 82 per cent within a relatively short period, reflecting significant improvements in administration, academics and research.
The convocation ceremony honoured academic excellence, with 24 PhD scholars, 29 MPhil graduates and 58 top-performing BS students receiving gold medals and degrees.
The event was attended by Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Member of the National Assembly Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, Parliamentary Secretary Mir Liaquat Lehri, Members of the Provincial Assembly Zarak Khan Mandokhail, Hadiya Nawaz and Kulsoom Niaz Baloch, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zahoor Ahmed Bazai, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Razzaq Shahwani, Provincial Ombudsman Justice (Retd) Saadatullah Khan Bazai, vice chancellors of public universities, college principals, educationists, researchers and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the broader higher education landscape in Balochistan, the governor said that graduates remain the university’s greatest asset. He praised former and current students for serving as leaders, scholars, researchers and professionals contributing to the development and prosperity of both Balochistan and Pakistan.
He also commended the leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr Zahoor Ahmed Bazai and his team for introducing reforms and improving the university’s overall performance.
According to the governor, investment in quality education, technological advancement and professional training is essential if Balochistan is to secure its share in future economic growth and regional opportunities.
Addressing graduates, Jaffar Mandokhail said the world was living through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technology had transformed the relationship between the physical, digital and biological spheres.
He pointed to the growing importance of artificial intelligence, data science, solar energy, innovation and emerging technologies, saying these sectors were reshaping traditional concepts of development and creating new pathways for national progress.
“In today’s world, obtaining a degree alone is not enough,” he remarked. “Practical skills, adaptability, creativity, innovation and strong ethical values are the qualities that distinguish successful individuals.”
The governor stressed that knowledge becomes meaningful only when it is used to solve real-world problems and improve society.
Highlighting Balochistan’s strategic significance, Mandokhail said the province possesses immense human potential, abundant natural resources and a unique geographical location.
He described Balochistan’s access to the Arabian Sea as a major economic advantage, linking Central Asia and the Middle East through trade and connectivity corridors.
Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with Gwadar at its centre, the governor said the initiative represents not merely a development project but a gateway to new economic opportunities, regional integration and long-term prosperity.
However, he cautioned that the province could only fully benefit from these opportunities if its youth were equipped with modern knowledge, technical skills and professional competencies rather than relying solely on academic degrees.
Addressing the convocation, Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani credited Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and his cabinet for helping public sector universities emerge from multiple crises and embark on a path of academic and research development.
She said government funding allocated to public universities had increased from Rs2 billion to Rs10 billion, enabling institutions to strengthen their academic programmes, research initiatives and financial sustainability.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zahoor Ahmed Bazai said the university administration had introduced positive reforms at every level through determination, hard work and sustained efforts.
He stated that the institution had successfully emerged from difficult circumstances and a severe financial crisis, eventually achieving a surplus position.
The vice chancellor expressed gratitude to Governor and Chancellor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani and their respective teams for their support and patronage.
In his closing remarks, the governor urged graduates to view themselves not only as ambassadors of the University of Balochistan but also as representatives of Pakistan.
He encouraged them to pursue their goals with determination and to use their education and abilities for the benefit of society and the nation rather than for personal success alone.
“This is a time to rebuild a better Pakistan,” he said. “The future of the country will be shaped not by past traditions alone, but by the ideas, creativity, hard work and practical efforts of its young people.”
The governor also assured the university administration of his continued support in addressing institutional challenges and advancing higher education across the province.