By Imtiaz Hussain
KHAIRPUR: The first convocation of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skills Development (BBSUTSD), Khairpur, marked a historic milestone as 176 graduates from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 batches in civil, electronic, electrical, and mechanical engineering technology were conferred degrees. The ceremony, held at the university’s newly inaugurated auditorium, recognized academic excellence with the distribution of 14 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze medals to outstanding students.
The event witnessed the presence of political and academic dignitaries, including former Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, former Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah, MPA Tanzila Umme Habiba, and senior educationists.
Addressing the gathering, Syed Qaim Ali Shah reaffirmed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) long-standing commitment to education, stating that institutions like BBSUTSD reflect the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He lauded the immense talent in Khairpur and Sindh, emphasizing that sustained investment in technical education is vital for the province’s progress.
Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah underscored the necessity of adapting to global technological advancements, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. He asserted that Pakistan could significantly boost its exports by $100 million in the next decade through strategic investment in education and skill development. He also called for urgent reforms in the education system to align with evolving workforce demands.
MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah stressed the importance of increasing female participation in technical education, reaffirming the PPP’s commitment to digital rights and the creation of Special Technological Zones. She emphasized that aligning education with industry demands would help bridge Pakistan’s skills gap.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Rasool Bakhsh Mahar highlighted the university’s urgent need for accreditation with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), stating that the lack of recognition was hindering graduates’ employment prospects and enrollment growth. He appealed for increased federal financial assistance, pointing out that the university currently operates with 60% federal and 40% provincial funding.
MPA Tanzila Umme Habiba commended the students, linking Sindh’s historical legacy to the region’s growing focus on IT and technical education. Other esteemed speakers, including Professor Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand, Professor Dr. Faizullah Abbasi, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk, underscored the importance of technological advancements and skill development in shaping Pakistan’s future workforce.
The convocation not only celebrated academic excellence but also underscored the critical role of technical education in Pakistan’s socio-economic growth. As BBSUTSD looks toward accreditation and expansion, its graduates stand poised to contribute to the country’s technological and industrial development.
