By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Private Education Network (PEN) Dera, led by President Sardar Muhammad Arsalan Sadozai, held a distinguished ceremony to recognize new members and notable officials of the Dera Education Board.
During the event, Dr Qayyum Nawaz, Secretary and Controller of the Board, and Tariq Javed, Assistant Controller, were presented with shields and appreciation certificates for their services. The ceremony was attended by principals of private schools, teachers, civil society representatives, and other prominent guests.
Haji Fazal Rehman Baloch, former Accounts Officer of the Dera Education Board and a senior union leader, was invited as the chief guest and received warm appreciation for his longstanding contributions to the education sector.
Addressing the gathering, President Sadozai welcomed the new members and outlined PEN’s vision, ongoing reforms, and future goals. He emphasized the network’s mission to improve educational standards in Dera Ismail Khan, provide better opportunities for students, and foster cooperation among institutions.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Board Chairman Prof Dr Ihsanullah and Controller Dr Qayyum Nawaz in implementing matric and intermediate examination reforms, including uploading toppers’ papers on the board portal and introducing the paper show-off policy—measures designed to ensure transparency and a brighter future for students.
Dr Nawaz praised PEN’s role in promoting education and nurturing a positive mindset among youth. He highlighted the board’s achievements under Chairman Dr Ihsanullah, including addressing concerns related to rechecking, retotaling, and examinations for grades 9 to 12. He noted that the introduction of the paper show-off initiative was a first in Dera’s history.
He further added that timely exam results facilitated students’ progress toward medical education and MDCAT, while improvements in institution affiliation and forthcoming online services, including JazzCash payments and access to duplicate DMCs and certificates, would modernize the board’s operations.
In conclusion, Sadozai thanked all participants, special guests, and organizers, reiterating PEN’s commitment to advancing educational initiatives in the region. Prominent attendees included Syed Tariq Abbas Bukhari, Fareed Khan, Arif Khan Mehsud, Khizr Usmani, Syed Faizan Shah Gilani, among others.
