LOWER DIR: A longawaited government degree college was formally inaugurated in Khall here on Tuesday, with local lawmakers describing the institution as a major step towards improving access to higher education in the area.
The inauguration ceremony of the Government Boys Degree College, Khall, was attended by MNA Syed Mehboob Shah and PK-14 MPA Muhammad Azam Khan along with local leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, education officials, elders, teachers and students.
Among those present were PTIKhall president Dr Ashfaq Munir, former Khall tehsil chairman Akhunzada Ashfaqur Rahim, former Balambat tehsil nazim Shakir Shoaib, assistant sub-divisional education officer Sultan Haider, Arshad Mayar, former vice-chairman of village council Lugman Banda Ismail Khan and Akhunzada Hidayatullah.
Addressing the gathering, MNA Mehboob Shah said the establishment of a degree college in Khall had been a longstanding demand of local resi-dents. He said the institution would enable students from Khall and adjoining areas to pursue higher education closer to home.
‘Educational institutions are essential for the development of any area and for securing a brighter future for the younger generation,’ he said.
Speaking on the occasion, MPA Muhammad Azam Khan termed the inauguration of the college a historic milestone for the region. He said the institution would not only provide access to quality higher education but would also reduce the financial burden on parents who previouslyhad to send their children to distant towns and cities for further studies.
He assured the audience of his continued support for the provision of additional facilities and the further development of the college.
Other speakers including PTI Khall president Dr Ashfaq Munir highlightedthe importance of education in social and economic development and said the new college would open fresh opportunities for local youth.
College principal Zohr Ahmad welcomed the guests and thanked them for attending the ceremony. He said the establishment of the college fulfilled a long-cherished dream of the people of the area and would contribute significantly to educational advancement in Khall and neighbouring localities.
The visiting dignitaries formally inaugurated the college by cutting a ribbon. Correspondent