A stipend distribution ceremony was organized by Virtual University of Pakistan and University of Turbat for  the successful trainees in various  digital skills under the IGNITE funded Project entitled “Digital Skills Training & Support Program for Southern Balochistan” under the patronage of Ministry of IT & Telecommunication.  Mr. Sadiq Iftikhar, State Minister of IT & Telecom was the Chief Guest, while Ex Chief Minister of Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Advisor to CM Baluchistan Mr. Lala Rasheed Dashti graced the ceremony as guest of honors. Speaking on the occasion, I am proud to see so dedicated people towards learning and education in this region. I am happy to know that Makran Division stands at eighth position in literacy in Pakistan while Turbat stands at first in Balochistan”. The State Minister emphasized the need for taking joint efforts for the promotion of IT education in this part of country. State Minister urged the importance of digital Skills and the role of IT ministry. He appreciated the IGNITE, Virtual University, University of Turbat, University of Gwadar and BUET Khuzdar  on the successful execution of the project in Balochistan.

In his welcome speech, Prof. Dr. Jan Muhammad Vice Chancellor University acknowledged the role of Virtual University, Ignite and Ministry of IT & Telecommunication in enhancing IT facilities in Sothern Balochistan. He requested federal and provincial government to pay special attention towards this underdeveloped and far flung region of the country in order to raise the life standard of the people. He hoped that collaborative initiatives between Turbat University, Virtual University and Ignite will greatly benefit the youth of Southern Balochistan. He said the youth of this region possesses a lot of potential and it is necessary to provide them with opportunities to showcase their talents at national and international level. Vice Chancellor emphasized to connect this region via fiber optic. He said that they had enhanced internet bandwidth from 90 mb to 350 mb at the Turbat University.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Public Health Engineering Lala Rasheed said that no nation can develop and prosperous without knowledge and technical education. He assured his full support in enhancing skills of the youth of this region.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Javed Registrar Virtual University of Pakistan briefed about the Project and its outcome. He also asked to the district government to provide un-utilized building to set up regional Campus of Virtual University at Turbat. Other expenses will be met by the Virtual University. IGNITE representative also highlighted their role in various project in Balochistan. The ceremony was also attended by Justice (R) Shakeel Ahmed Baloch,  UoT’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mansoor Ahmed, Registrar Ganguzar Baloch, Dean Faculty of Legal Education, Dr. Gul Hassan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Gwadar University Dr. Manzoor Ahmed,  Registrar, Gwadar University, Dr. Daulat Khan, Deans, Directors, members of Bar Council  Journalists, trainers and trainees of the program, senior faculty of university of Turbat and other dignitaries of Kech district.