KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday called on agricultural universities to assist the government in researching and developing seeds that required less water but yielded higher productivity.

While presiding over a consultative meeting with university representatives, academicians and university & board administrators, he also requested similar research in the fields of livestock and fisheries.

According to a press statement issued from CM House, the chief minister stressed the importance of universities prioritising quality education, advanced training, and impactful research, urging academic institutions to guide the government on pressing social issues in order to effectively address them.

`We have excellent universities across various fields medical, agricultural, engineering, and general studies each of which is a valuable asset,` he said adding that these institutions must work towards the greater good of education, society, and economic growth.

The meeting was attended among others by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Universities and Boards Minister Mohammad Ali Malkani, chief secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and vicechancellors from various universities.

The chief minister underlined the crucial role academic research plays in generating new knowledge and solving social and economic challenges.

He encouraged universities, particularly medical institutions, to focus their research on common diseases, psychological issues, and pandemics.

The findings, he said, should be used to guide government policy and interventions.

Mr Shah said that in today`s technological era, alluniversitiesmust adopt the latest technology for administering examinations.

He also directed U&B department to guide examination boards to prepare proposals, recommendations and phases for conducting digital examinations.

`I would like the examination boards should take advantage of the technology in conducting examinations,` he suggested.

The chief minister encouraged the universities to enhance their academic programs and increase research efforts in science and technology.

Murad Shah expressed concern over the growing intolerance in society, attributing it to various underlying causes. `Our academicians, writers, and poets should play their role in fostering a spirit of humanity through their work,` he said and added that their writings should serve as a source of guidance, v for the youth, helping to nurture values of tolerance and empathy.

In conclusion, Shah directed the vice-chancellors to submit their recommendations, ensuring that the government could provide the necessary support to further the universities` missions.