Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi delivered a significant address during the induction ceremony of batch 35 at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, emphasizing the critical need for institutions to operate within their constitutional boundaries.
Institutional Boundaries and National Security
While presiding over the ceremony on Wednesday, CM Afridi made pointed remarks about institutional conduct without naming specific organizations. He stated that institutions in Pakistan often exceed their constitutional limits and unnecessarily interfere in other institutions' affairs, weakening the country's overall framework.
"You people are intelligent and you understand what I am saying," the Chief Minister told the audience, choosing not to elaborate further but making his message clear. He emphasized that strong institutions are essential for national security, but when they abandon their designated roles, it ultimately harms the country.
Three Pillars of Strong Institutions
CM Afridi outlined three fundamental elements crucial for any institution's success. First is intention, second is direction, and third is struggle. He stressed that these three components must be upheld for institutions to function effectively and contribute positively to national development.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Prof Dr Fazal Ahmad Khalid (Rector GIK Institute), Engr Salim Saifullah Khan (President SOPREST), Executive Director Shakil Durrani, Prof Syed M Hassan Zaidi (Pro-Rector Academics and Finance), along with directors, deans, heads of departments, and students.
Government Support for Education and Innovation
The Chief Minister expressed particular pride in GIK Institute's role in national integration and development. He highlighted that students from across Pakistan study at GIK and subsequently serve the nation after receiving quality education.
CM Afridi made several important announcements during his address:
20 scholarships for students from merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were announced, demonstrating the government's commitment to educational accessibility.
He assured students facing financial difficulties that the provincial government would ensure their education remains uninterrupted, promising continued support for those in need.
The Chief Minister committed to financial support for new building constructions at GIK Institute when addressing SOPREST President Engr Salim Saifullah Khan.
He promised full support for innovative and creative ideas from students through the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A separate meeting with GIK Institute management was planned to discuss education promotion strategies and contemporary knowledge development in the province.
GIK Institute's Excellence and Diversity
Engr Salim Saifullah Khan highlighted the institute's selective admission process, noting that only 800 students were selected from 8,300 applicants who appeared for entrance tests. He revealed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government provided 424 acres of land free of cost for the institute's establishment.
Prof Khalid, Rector of GIK Institute, acknowledged the substantial support received from the provincial government, including recent approval of scholarships for GIK students. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with provincial higher education, science and technology, and IT departments.
Student representatives Rehan from computer science and Zoha Khan from electrical engineering shared their experiences, noting the diversity at GIK University with students coming from across Pakistan. The institute currently hosts 500 female students from various regions pursuing higher education in different disciplines, maintaining complete merit and transparency in admissions.
