The Federal Minister for Education Javed Ashraf Qazi said that the first phase of National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research (NIHCR) will be completed at Quaid-e-Azam University within a year, costing Rs 33.20 million. He was addressing a foundation-stone laying ceremony of National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research at Quaid-e-Azam University here on Thursday.
He said "it is a pity that the premier research institute had been functioning for more than 30 years without its own building but now after completion, the centre will start M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes".
The first phase of the building, to be completed in one year,will include a library for 0.1 million books, auditorium and hostel for M.Phil. and Ph.D. students, and the second phase will include almost 12 research rooms and two seminar/conference halls. "Pakistan is moving towards a modern progressive Islamic country by following the enlightened and moderate vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah," he added.
The minister said that it is an era of globalisation, where our culture and history need to be preserved, besides development in the field of science and technology.
Speaking about the university Dr Khawaja Azam Ali, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University said that the university has not only strengthened the national cohesion, but served the cause of knowledge at higher education level.
He added that National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research is the first institute of the country with a high number of publications.
He appreciated the performance of Major Muhammad Ilyas Khan, Project Director and Dr Riaz Ahmed, who helped a lot in the designing of the building in traditional style.