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ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP):Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said that poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy are the root causes of terrorism and extremism, calling for a broad strategy to tackle these core issues and empower the youth for national progress.
He was addressing the inaugural session of the Senate of the Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu, held at the Parliament House. Gilani chaired the session on behalf of the President of Pakistan.
The session was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Vice Chancellor Dr. Aurangzeb Khan, MNA Shahida Akhtar Ali, MPA Engineer Ahmad Khan Kundi, and other senior officials.
Welcoming the establishment of the Kalam Bibi International Women’s Institute, Gilani said the institute would open doors to higher and professional education for women in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He appreciated the efforts behind the project and urged for maximum facilities to be provided to ensure the institute’s success.
Gilani said education and health have always been close to his heart, noting that both are closely linked. He stressed that women’s welfare and the inclusion of minorities in the national mainstream remain among his top priorities.
He directed the HEC to urgently equip the institute with modern technology, internet access, and other essential resources, enabling it to operate efficiently.
Highlighting the challenges faced by backwards areas in southern KP and Punjab, Gilani proposed establishing support centres under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to help overcome regional issues.
He also mentioned that his daughter has served as a goodwill ambassador for women’s empowerment.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also addressed the session, expressing his pleasure in attending and reaffirming his party’s commitment to women’s education.
He said the new institute would help integrate the underdeveloped southern districts into the national development framework.
Kundi praised the HEC’s support and called for continued investment in institutions that address social inequality. He also proposed upgrading campus facilities, expanding the use of technology, and offering scholarships to deserving female students.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Aurangzeb Khan briefed participants on the institute’s goals, challenges, and academic offerings. He noted that women in the southern districts face major barriers to education, but this institute will create new opportunities. He also discussed the introduction of new courses and provided updates on legal matters related to the institution.