By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The 52nd foundation day of Gomal University was celebrated with enthusiasm at the main campus, where General Officer Commanding (GOC) 40 Division Major General Mudassar Saeed attended as chief guest and highlighted the importance of education, unity and character building in national development.
Addressing the ceremony at Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium, Major General Mudassar Saeed described Gomal University as a prestigious institution with a strong academic history and international recognition, calling it a symbol of identity for Dera Ismail Khan. He appreciated the contributions of past and present faculty members and students in building the university’s legacy.
He stressed that education, training and rule of law were essential for national progress, urging collective efforts to address challenges such as intolerance and extremism. He observed that the country was not utilising even ten per cent of its potential and called on educators to focus on character building and guiding young people towards clarity and confidence.
The ceremony was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal, who welcomed guests and congratulated the university community on completing 52 years. He highlighted academic progress, noting that 275 subjects were being taught, multiple international seminars had been organised, and significant financial savings had been achieved.
Justice (retd) Dad Khan recalled the historical importance of the university, noting that students from Dera Ismail Khan previously had to travel long distances for higher education before its establishment. He acknowledged the vision behind its foundation and the role of its first vice chancellor Nawabullah Nawaz Khan Sadozai.
Former vice chancellor Dr Mansoor Akbar Kundi said that while universities had now been established in many districts, financial constraints remained a major challenge. Other speakers, including Prof Dr Faiz Jalil, Prof Dr Waqar Haider Bukhari, Dr Iftikhar Shah and DIG Motorway Police Imran Shahid, emphasised continued struggle and dedication in education.
The event was attended by former vice chancellors, serving and retired faculty members, alumni and other dignitaries, including District Police Officer Ziauddin Ahmed, former provincial minister Haji Abdul Haleem Qasuria, traders’ leader Suhail Ahmed Azmi and senior journalists.
The ceremony concluded with a cake-cutting, an exchange of shields between the GOC and the vice chancellor, and a vote of thanks by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Naimatullah Babar.
