'Private sector playing vital role in imparting quality education'

The Punjab Governor Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool (Retd) has said that private sector is playing vital role in imparting quality education in the country, however, private sector universities need to further develop their expertise in the field.
He said this while addressing the 6th convocation of the University of Central Punjab here at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Saturday. Higher education is key to success in modern days', he said. He stressed the need for introducing market-oriented and demand-driven programmes by universities keeping in view growing industries like entertainment and performing arts. Khalid, who is also Patron of the University of Central Punjab, said real estate business was a potential industry, therefore, universities need to prepare individuals for this field as well.
He praised the hard work put in by the graduating students of the University of Central Punjab. "Private sector universities need to create their expertise", he said, adding that the private sector could launch programmes in entertainment and performing arts industry.
Congratulating the successful students he urged them to play their role in the national development. "Be conscious of quality, hard work and communication skills as you are part of a global economy now which is looking for different kind of men and women", he advised the students.
Talking about public sector universities, he said keeping in view the importance and significance of the higher education the government should concentrate on it. Huge funding was being provided to the universities which is evident from the fact that University of Engineering and Technology (UET) alone had funding of over Rs 6 billion, he said.
Congratulating the successful students, District Nazim Lahore and Chairman BoG, Punjab Group of Colleges, Mian Amer Mahmood hoped that graduates of the UCP would be able to help strengthen the economy.
President KASB Bank Muneer Kamal said that talent of the youth makes the country and there are a lot of opportunities for young people in telecom and banking sectors. He also said that recently State Bank gave approval for the opening of 600 branches in the country so there is a lot of potential of jobs in banking sector. Similarly, in telecom sector there is a lot of investment in telecom sector and there will be lot of jobs for engineers in telecom sector, he added.
Barrister Shahida Jamil, CEO Philips Pakistan Shahid Zaki, Pro-Rector Dr Fehmida Sultana and Deans of various faculties were also present on the occasion. Earlier, the governor gave away shields to the position holders in various disciplines and conferred Roll of Honours upon four students from four different faculties of the university.