QUETTA | Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has said that the province’s public universities have overcome major financial challenges and doubled their overall performance through sustained reforms, effective monitoring and improved management.
Governor Mandokhail highlights major improvements in public universities at University of Balochistan’s 22nd convocation; 24 PhD scholars, 29 MPhil graduates and 58 position holders honored
Addressing the 22nd convocation of the University of Balochistan, the governor said public universities that previously faced serious financial and academic difficulties had achieved greater stability, with institutions moving into a financial surplus position.
He said the University of Balochistan, the province’s oldest university, had recorded significant improvement in its academic and administrative performance, claiming that its ranking and performance score had increased from 44 percent to 82 percent within a relatively short period.
The governor described the improvement as an important achievement for higher education in Balochistan and appreciated the efforts of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Bazai and his team.
Balochistan varsities Overcome Financial Crisis, Performance Doubles: Governor
During the convocation, 24 PhD scholars, 29 MPhil graduates and 58 position holders from BS programs were awarded degrees, certificates and gold medals in recognition of their academic achievements.
The ceremony was attended by Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Member of the National Assembly Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, Parliamentary Secretary Mir Liaquat Lehri, MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail, Hadia Nawaz, Kulsoom Niaz Baloch, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Razzaq Shahwani, Provincial Ombudsman Justice (Retd.) Saadatullah Khan Bazai, vice chancellors of public universities, college principals, educationists and other dignitaries.
Congratulating the graduates, Governor Mandokhail said the University of Balochistan’s greatest strength was its alumni, including scholars, researchers, professionals and leaders contributing to the development of Balochistan and Pakistan. He urged graduates to use their knowledge and abilities for public welfare, emphasizing that academic success carried responsibilities beyond personal achievement.
Modern Skills Essential for Youth Success
The governor said the world was undergoing rapid technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence, data science, solar energy and other emerging technologies. He stressed that university degrees alone were no longer sufficient to guarantee professional success, adding that practical skills, creativity, innovation, adaptability and strong ethical values were equally important.
“Knowledge becomes a real strength when it is used to solve practical problems and contribute to society,” he said.
Mandokhail emphasized the need to equip Balochistan’s youth with modern education, technical expertise and digital skills to help them compete in national and international job markets.
Highlighting the province’s natural resources, human potential and strategic location, he said Balochistan could become an important trade and economic corridor connecting Central Asia and the Middle East through the Arabian Sea. He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and economic activities associated with Gwadar could create new opportunities for employment, trade and investment, provided young people acquired the skills needed to benefit from them.
The governor urged graduates to consider themselves ambassadors of Pakistan and contribute to national development through their knowledge, professional abilities and commitment.
He assured the University of Balochistan administration of continued support in addressing institutional challenges and improving academic standards.
University Funding Increased to Rs10 Billion: Durrani
Speaking at the convocation, Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani said the Balochistan government had taken significant steps to address financial and administrative challenges facing public universities.
She said provincial funding for public universities had increased from Rs2 billion to Rs10 billion, crediting Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and his cabinet for prioritizing higher education.
Durrani also appreciated Governor Mandokhail’s supervision and support in strengthening public universities and improving their academic and financial performance.
University of Balochistan Achieves Financial Surplus: VC
University of Balochistan Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Bazai said the institution had emerged from a severe financial crisis and achieved a surplus through administrative reforms, financial management and collective efforts. He said improvements had been introduced across academic, research and administrative operations to strengthen the university’s overall performance.
The vice chancellor thanked Governor Mandokhail, Chief Minister Bugti, Education Minister Durrani and their teams for supporting the university’s financial recovery and institutional development. The convocation concluded with recognition of PhD and MPhil graduates and students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
The reported improvements in university performance, financial surpluses, institutional scores and funding figures were based on statements made by the speakers and could not be independently verified.
