Multan
Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has emphasized that Pakistan’s future hinges on how effectively it educates its youth, stressing that the quality of universities will determine national success given the country’s young population and immense potential.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the Executive Body of the Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Academic Staff Association (ASA) at the Jinnah Auditorium, Gilani said universities must serve as centres of learning, innovation, and social responsibility within their regions. He highlighted the central importance of education in national policy-making and called for curriculum reforms, alignment with modern job market requirements, and stronger collaboration with reputable international institutions.
Gilani described teachers and academic staff as the backbone of the education system, stating that nations rise or fall on the strength of their educators. He praised Academic Staff Associations for safeguarding professional rights while maintaining academic standards, institutional harmony, and intellectual freedom.
Appreciating BZU’s contributions to quality education in South Punjab and nationwide, the Senate chairman urged the Punjab government to establish a BZU campus in Shujabad, noting that it would benefit students from Shujabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, Lodhran, and surrounding areas.
He expressed hope that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would approve the proposal promptly.
Recalling BZU’s establishment in 1975 through an Act of Parliament by former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Gilani said the university, along with Islamia University Bahawalpur and Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, was part of a national vision to strengthen higher education in southern regions, promoting educational equity as a prerequisite for sustainable development.
Reflecting on his tenure as prime minister (2008–2012), he said focused efforts were made to strengthen public universities and expand access to higher education in underdeveloped areas, including awarding 100 PhD scholarships to BZU under the Faculty Development Programme. Today, he said, BZU stands as the largest university in South Punjab, serving thousands of students and contributing significantly to teaching, research, and regional development.
Gilani reiterated that education has remained a core foundation of national development, social justice, and democratic stability throughout his public life. “Investment in education is not an expenditure; it is a long-term national obligation and a core state priority,” he emphasized.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor BZU Dr Zubair Iqbal highlighted improvements in the university’s rankings and outlined a five-year comprehensive strategy for overall development, while ASA President Dr Binyameen pledged to work for faculty welfare and thanked the Senate chairman for his support.
