PESHAWAR: The University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar conferred degrees on 550 graduates of engineering and non-engineering programmes during a convocation here on Friday.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur attended the convocation as the university`s chancellor and gave away degrees and gold medals to the graduates.

A total of 23 gold medals were conferred on high achievers, according to a statement.

This was the first-ever convocation of any public sector university in the province in which the chief minister was in attendance as the chancellor.

The participants included higher education minister Meena Khan Afridi, UET faculty and management, graduates and their parents.

The chief minister felicitated graduatesalong with their parents and teachers and encouraged them to work hard in their respective fields to bring pride to the province and the country.

He urged graduates to pursue research and technology saying these fields offer vast opportunities.

Mr Gandapur said that significant efforts were being made to promote the industrial sector in the province to create employment opportunities for graduates.

He said that the upcoming budget would include a loan scheme for doctors, engineers and other professionals, enabling them to establish their own startups and companies instead of seeking jobs, thereby generating employment for others.

The chief minister said that the provincial government had announced the seed money of scholarships endowment fund for students and was providing opportunities for them to study abroad on scholarships.

He also announced plans to make edu-cation completely free for girl students in the province, saying only an educated mother can create an educated and civilised society.

`Efforts are also under way to provide free education opportunities to orphan children,` he said.

The chief minister said his government inherited financial challenges in various sectors but was working hard to overcome those challenges and make institutions self-sufficient.

`When I assumed the office, universities faced liabilities of Rs72 billion, which have now reduced to Rs24 billion. A new mechanism is being developed to resolve salary and pension payment issues in universities, ensuring that they become selfsustainable,` he said.

Mr Gandapur said he took his pride in UET Peshawar, which was a prestigious institution not only for the province but for the entire country as well.

He praised the university for producing renowned professionals in engineeringand technology and for adapting to modern demands by introducing new programmes.

The chief minister encouraged graduates to utilise their knowledge and skills for the development of the province and the country, making a mark at both national and international levels.

He also urged them to uphold Islamic teachings and values in their lives and said to become a great nation, individuals must first strive for personal greatness.

Mr Gandapur said that true progress and excellence were impossible without adhering to Islamic principles.

UET Vice Chancellor Prof Qaisar Ali expressed his gratitude towards the provincial government, higher education department, HEC and guests and congratulated the graduates and their parents on their marvelous achievements.

He said that the UET had produced 25,800 graduates since its opening in 1952 who had been serving the nation in leading positions.