Social reforms key to national prosperity, security

July 22, 2025 (MLN): The need to address poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy as root causes of terrorism and extremism was emphasized by Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who called for a comprehensive strategy to enable youth to contribute to the country's development and prosperity.

He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of the Senate of Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu.

He presided over the session on behalf of the President of Pakistan.

This important session, held today at the Parliament House, was attended by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and Vice Chancellor of the Institute Professor Dr. Aurangzeb Khan.

MNA Mrs. Shahida Akhtar Ali, Engineer Ahmad Khan Kundi, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other senior officials were also present.

Chairman Senate welcomed the establishment of the Kalam Bibi International Women Institute Bannu and said that this institution will facilitate higher and professional education for women in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He also appreciated the efforts made for the establishment of the institute and stressed that steps should be taken to provide the institution with maximum facilities.

The Chairman Senate noted that education and health are very close to his heart, and both sectors are deeply interconnected, according to the press release issued today.

He further stated that the welfare of women and the inclusion of minorities in the national mainstream have always been his top priorities.

Expressing his views, he directed the Higher Education Commission to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of modern technology, internet, and other essential facilities to the institute in Bannu so that the institution can function more effectively.

He pointed out that the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab face backwardness that needs to be addressed.

He suggested that with the support of the Benazir Income Support Program, centers could be established in underprivileged areas to help overcome local challenges.

He also mentioned that his daughter has served as a goodwill ambassador for women empowerment.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi also addressed the meeting, stating that he was delighted to participate in the important session of the institution.

He added that their party has always prioritized women’s education.

He emphasized that this institute will help bring the southern districts into the mainstream of national development and assist in overcoming regional problems.

He appreciated the support extended by the HEC Chairman and stressed the need to support such institutions that play a role in alleviating societal backwardness.

He also proposed modernizing campus facilities and utilizing technology, along with stressing the importance of scholarships for deserving women and girls.

During the session, Vice Chancellor of the Institute, Professor Dr. Aurangzeb Khan, briefed the participants on the objectives, challenges, and key aspects of the institution.

He noted that women in the southern districts face various challenges that hinder their pursuit of education.

However, the establishment of this institution will create opportunities for them to obtain education.

He also provided information about the newly introduced courses and gave a briefing on legal matters related to the institute.

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