Gilani praises Imran for education promotion

[LahoreEstate]

Sunday, October 18, 2009

By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday that the root cause of terrorism was illiteracy and his government had resolved to provide better education in the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of up-gradation of the NAMAL College in Mianwali to a university — a project launched by PTI chairman Imran Khan — Gilani said Imran Khan was doing a great service in the field of education in a remote area of Pakistan.

The premier praised the PTI chairman for setting up the institute, saying giving access to education was a noble cause because knowledge was power.

“Education and the provision of health facilities is the top priority of his government and we will focus on these issues,” he added. Prime Minister Gilani attended the ceremony at the residence of Imran Khan, defying security threats.

He announced 100 scholarships worth Rs200,000 each for the students of the NAMAL University. Degree classes at the university commenced from Saturday. Ambassadors and top elite of Islamabad was also present at the dinner hosted by Imran Khan.

In a brief speech, Prime Minister Gilani recalled that his forefathers were instrumental in setting up educational institutions in Multan and one of such institutes was still considered best in the region. He said it was his earnest desire to follow his forefathers.

Prime Minister Gilani said the government would strive to give best emoluments to the teachers so that they could fully concentrate on educating the future generations of Pakistan. He also lauded the services being rendered by the Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore, also set up by the former cricketer.

Speaking on the occasion, Imran Khan briefed the audience about his aim to make the project a success. Imran Khan said it was not a political function and he had invited the people above the party line.

In his witty remarks, he said: “I wanted to invite President Asif Ali Zardari here but due to security situation I did not do so because if any thing happened to him then I might be prime suspect”.

Later, when reporters approached Prime Minister Gilani for a press talk, Imran Khan requested him not to hold press talk, saying it would make the function a political event because political questions would be asked.

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