The 10th Senate meeting of the University of Swat was chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, with Provincial Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi, Higher Education Department officials, and Senate members in attendance.
Key agenda items included the presentation of the 2023–24 annual report, updates on past Senate decisions, and a review of the draft University of Swat Statutes 2024, which was forwarded to a committee for further review.
A major focus was the unveiling of the University of Swat’s Strategic Plan 2024–30. The CM instructed the Higher Education Department’s task force to refine the plan for broader impact. Highlighting his commitment to accessible education, Gandapur directed that all public university departments be included in government scholarship programs, citing a substantial increase in the provincial scholarship fund. He stressed the need to invest in market-driven academic programs to align with student and industry demands.
To support graduate employment, the CM proposed reserving a quota for university graduates under the Ehsaas Rozgar program, allowing them access to business loans and fostering entrepreneurship. Additionally, he emphasized strengthening practical education, urging the promotion of the hotel management department and proposing futsal facilities in 10 public universities for the next budget.
Infrastructure upgrades were also prioritized, with directives to construct a guest house, auditorium, and indoor gymnasium in girls’ hostels at the University of Swat.
The Vice Chancellor reported that the university currently has 9,059 BS, 756 MPhil/MS, and 315 PhD students, alongside over 18,000 enrolled in affiliated colleges. Ranked 10th in KP by Times Higher Education, the institution has also forged key national and international partnerships.
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The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhancing higher education standards, industry-aligned programs, and student welfare through scholarships and improved facilities.