The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director John Groarke and Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday inaugurated a new research center at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad. The research center was constructed with the support of the U.S. government.
Highlighting the United States' long-term commitment to strengthen Pakistan's education sector and help find practical solutions for the country's energy challenges, Mission Director Groarke stated, "These new buildings will house academic programs that will help shape the future of Pakistan and set new standards for the success of both women and disadvantaged youth, especially in the energy engineering profession."
The new four-story, 60,000-square-foot building includes five classrooms, eight state-of-the-art energy laboratories, a seminar hall, conference rooms, a library, multiple office spaces, and elevator access for persons with disabilities. Minister Asif expressed his appreciation for the assistance of the American people, saying, "The provision of better-equipped research facilities with assistance from the U.S. government is a testimony to our continued efforts and commitment to improving the quality of education in our country and solving our energy issues."
Minister Asif also thanked the United States for assisting in many other projects, including construction of two hydel and irrigation facilities, Gomal Zam in KPK and Kurram Tangi in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). In collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the new research center at NUST is expected to become one of Pakistan's premier sustainable energy think tanks. NUST Rector Lieutenant General Naweed Zaman (retd) acknowledged USAID's assistance by stating, "The role of USAID in the promotion of education is admirable.