PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engr Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that future of the nation heavily depends upon quality and competence of its human resource especially the youth who are the research scholars. He was addressing as the chief guest the award distribution ceremony of National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) under the auspices of Higher Education Commission (HEC) at Governor House on Saturday. Chairman, HEC, Dr Mukhtiar Ahmad, while addressing on the occasion highlighted the aims of the program besides other VC’s of various universities, faculties, members, research scholars and students were present on this occasions. In Pakistan, the Governor said, the young and energetic people comprise of 60 per cent of the population and investment on this very segment will have the highest dividend to this country. With this fact in mind, the Governor said, the Government of Pakistan has been focusing on education as a major component of the framework for development and social change. Within education the role of higher education is crucial, and achieving institutional capacity for knowledge creation; promoting research and development are must to address emerging challenges, he added. The water scarcity, energy, food security, and environment, etc. are the sectors that need top priority, he remarked. To respond to the challenges of knowledge revolution and globalization, the Governor said, we need an education system that promotes creativity, analytical thinking, team work and strong ethical foundations. I feel delighted to know that the Higher Education Commission is fully aligned to these needs and have successfully transformed this sector of the country he said. Indeed, he added, HEC offers constructive forums that encourage institutions of higher learning to develop research and academic collaborations with both inland and foreign universities. He wished that this premier public sector organization continues playing even more effective role in the national development. Later on the Governor gave away shields to the successful researchers.