Daily Times

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Dr Hassan Askari has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives due to collapse of roofs and other rain-related incidents in the province.

In a message on Saturday, Punjab Caretaker CM Dr Hasan Askari conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

The caretaker chief minister directed the administration to provide best medical treatment to the injured persons.

He said the interim provincial government shares the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in rain-related incidents.

Meanwhile, Dr Hassan Askari has also expressed grief and sorrow over the death of journalist Rao Javed Iqbal. He prayed that Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family.

Hassan Askari has said that institutions of higher education play active role in the development of economy and human resource, adding we have to bring public universities at a par with international standards.

He stated this while talking to Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri who called on him on Saturday and discussed with him promotion of higher education and research development.

The caretaker CM congratulated HEC Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri for assuming charge.

Speaking on the occasion, Askari said that focus on the quality education is needed for the consistent promotion of higher education and human resource, and Pakistan can achieve several targets through quality higher education. He said educational institutions should also focus on the research development besides quality education.

The caretaker CM said favourable environment in our universities is needed to attract students from foreign universities and universities should use all-out resources for the promotion of higher education. He said economic and social condition of the country can only be improved through the promotion of higher education. The quality education is the only way to face challenges of poverty, unemployment and ignorance.

Askari said the education system is being improved speedily for the promotion of higher education. Pakistan has talent and we need encouragement of our students. Education is the key to the success and bright future of Pakistan. He said we need to take correct decisions for the promotion of higher education.

The caretaker CM said research development can be promoted through effective direct links of agriculture, industry and livestock. He said the HEC has rendered valuable services for the supremacy of merit and improvement of academic standards.

Published in Daily Times, July 29^th 2018.