Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI), Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, on Monday reiterated his firm resolve to transform Chiniot into Pakistan’s “Educational Oxford,” emphasizing that quality education remains the only sustainable path to poverty alleviation and economic development.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Girls’ Hostel and Sports Complex at Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Chiniot Campus, the Federal Minister stated that he has been representing the area for the past 33 years and has consistently pursued the vision of promoting education as the foundation of national progress. He stressed that nations and societies can only achieve sustainable growth through continuous investment in education.
Highlighting global comparisons, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh noted that Pakistan’s annual exports currently stand at approximately USD 32 billion, whereas China’s exports have reached nearly USD 5 trillion. He attributed China’s remarkable progress to sustained investment in education, which enabled the country to lift nearly 700 million people out of poverty. In contrast, he expressed concern that nearly 25 million children in Pakistan are still out of school, terming it a serious national challenge.
The Federal Minister also criticized past economic policies, stating that indiscriminate lending to affluent segments weakened the economy and pushed the country close to default. He added that while China maintained an average growth rate of around 10 percent for 35 consecutive years, Pakistan has yet to consistently achieve a 7–8 percent growth rate, largely due to insufficient focus on education and human resource development.
Referring to the establishment of FAST University Chiniot Campus, Mr. Sheikh recalled that the institution initially operated only in Lahore. Through persistent efforts and engagement with relevant authorities, he facilitated the establishment of its Chiniot campus by providing land free of cost. Despite initial skepticism regarding its location, the campus has now emerged as a successful educational institution. He announced that he is personally willing to bear the tuition fees of deserving Chiniot students who qualify on merit for admission to FAST University, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to education.
Encouraging students, the Federal Minister urged them to adopt discipline, hard work, and clarity of purpose in their lives. He assured students of his continued accessibility and support, noting that he has maintained the same contact number for the past 33 years and remains available, particularly for students.
Earlier, during a visit to a medical camp organized in the rural area of Kot Miana, Chiniot, the Federal Minister stated that free medical check-ups and medicines were being provided to patients, while critically ill individuals were being referred to hospitals free of cost. He appreciated the services of qualified and experienced doctors working to provide quality healthcare to the rural population.
On the occasion, Vice Chancellor GCUF, Prof. Dr. Rauf Azam, stated that enhancing the quality of education and further improving the Chiniot Campus were among his top priorities. He informed that around 2,000 students are currently enrolled at the campus, more than half of whom are female. He emphasized that education goes beyond acquiring degrees and plays a vital role in personality development and nation-building.
