Mir Sarfraz Bugti has stressed that universities must be transformed into centers of knowledge, research, and innovation rather than becoming “factories for recruitment,” calling it a critical need of the time.
He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting on the performance, challenges, and future roadmap of the University of Makran Panjgur Campus.
The meeting reviewed the overall condition of the university, including administrative and academic matters, while also discussing future strategies in detail.
A key decision taken during the session was the formation of a special committee comprising the Secretary Finance and Secretary Higher Education. The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the institution’s actual needs and presenting practical recommendations regarding staffing, recruitment, resource allocation, and overall institutional improvement.
The Chief Minister issued clear instructions to strictly avoid unnecessary hiring and instead focus entirely on promoting quality education.
He emphasized that universities should not be treated merely as employment-generating institutions but must evolve into hubs of research, innovation, and academic excellence.
Highlighting the importance of modern technology, Bugti directed authorities to promote artificial intelligence initiatives, including the development of effective chatbots in local languages. He said such measures would help align students with contemporary educational demands.
He further stressed that university resources should be linked to student enrollment and institutional performance, encouraging improvement and healthy competition among educational institutions.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, Bugti underscored the importance of merit, transparency, and accountability in academic institutions, stating that strict implementation of these principles will be ensured.
The Chief Minister also directed improvements in infrastructure and digital facilities at the Panjgur Campus to meet modern educational standards.
He reiterated that providing quality higher education to local students remains a top priority of the provincial government, adding that all available resources will be utilized to achieve this goal.
Bugti also highlighted the need to connect academic research with industry and the local economy, ensuring that research outcomes directly contribute to economic development.
The meeting also agreed to introduce special programs aimed at enhancing teachers’ professional training and capacity-building to further improve the quality of education.
The session was attended by Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Higher Education Saleh Baloch, Vice Chancellor Dr. Saadat Baloch, and other relevant officials.
