PESHAWAR: Higher education minister Meena Khan Afridi on Friday said the provincial government was committed to addressing the financial problem s of public se ctor universities in the province.

`Universities struggling with financial challenges will soon be relieved of their difficulties as our government aims to drive them and other institutions towards sustainability,` the minister said during a ceremonyheld at the University of Agriculture Peshawar here to inaugurate a 750kw solar system.

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean Prof Dawood Jan, Registrar Dr Rizwan Ahmad, Dean Prof Iftikhar Hussain Khalil, Dean Prof Abdul Rehman, Dean Prof Shah Alam Khan, Dean Prof Zafarullah Khan, Treasurer Dr Abdul Salam, Engineer Kamran Khan, faculty members, and administrative staff members were also present at the event, according to a statement issued here on Friday.Minister Afridi acknowledged the role of experts from the University of Agriculture in advancing agriculture and its related fields.

Vice-Chancellor of the Agriculture University Prof Jehan Bakht welcomed the minister with a bouquet and expressed gratitude for his continued efforts in the development and promotion of higher education.

He highlighted the minister`s support in resolving challenges faced by the university.

Prof Bakht said that theUniversity of Agriculture Peshawar was the first institution to take steps towards the green energy initiative.

He said that the solar system would not only provide financial benefits to the university but also reduce environmental pollution and significantly lower electricity expenses.

`Another solar project is under way and will soon be completed.

Regarding the ongoing academic and development projects, the VC said that the university had always focused onproviding quality education, research, and training.

He said that graduates of the university had made significant contributions not only at the provincial level but also at national and international levels in the fields of agriculture, livestock, management, and IT.

Prof Bakht praised the provincial government`s initiatives to promote higher education.

Also, the minister planted an Araucaria tree, marking a tree plantation campaign at the university. The VC presented a shield to him.