M irshad ullah
PESHAWAR: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have expressed their deep appreciation for Dr. Faridullah Shah, director of the Higher Education Department, ‘s leadership, cooperation, and commitment.
Dr Shah’s efforts have led to remarkable progress in implementing the 2 per cent education quota for minorities, achieving full compliance across the province at intermediate and BS levels. This achievement, highly commended by CSO leaders, demonstrates Dr. Shah’s dedication to ensuring educational opportunities for all.
The Civil Society Support Group, an alliance of organizations and activists dedicated to social equity and educational rights, has commended Dr. Shah’s role in creating a supportive environment for minority communities in KP.
“Dr Shah has exemplified a proactive approach by achieving 100 per cent compliance with the 2 per cent education quota,” remarked Usman Afridi for the Civil Society Support Group. “This milestone marks a significant advancement toward inclusivity and equal opportunities for marginalized groups in the region.”
Furthermore, Dr. Shah’s advocacy has extended beyond the immediate goal of compliance. Under his leadership, the Higher Education Department has incorporated the minority quota into the newly announced Higher Education Policy, an initiative that will safeguard and expand educational access for underrepresented communities within higher education institutions in KP.
This inclusion has been widely acknowledged by civil society groups as a transformative step that will provide minority students with opportunities for academic advancement and future career development.
Qamar Naseem, Program Manager at Blue Veins, emphasized the importance of Dr. Shah’s partnership in promoting educational initiatives for gender and social parity. Recognizing the invaluable support from the Higher Education Department, Qamar Naseem stated, “Dr. Shah’s coordination and openness to civil society initiatives have been instrumental in organizing impactful seminars and outreach programs in girls’ degree colleges in Peshawar and Kohat.
These seminars are empowering young women, informing them about career paths in the justice sector, and inspiring them to pursue careers in the KP Police Department.”
The seminars, which have reached hundreds of young women, have been integral to Blue Veins’ , UN Women and KP Govt’s mission to improve gender parity in justice sector institutions and to raise awareness about career opportunities within the police force. “Dr. Shah’s vision for an inclusive and equitable education system has provided these students with a platform to envision their future as change-makers,” added Qamar Naseem.
Civil society organizations extended their congratulations to Dr. Shah and Muhammad Zakria for his ongoing commitment to inclusion, applauding his collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders to drive meaningful change. The Higher Education Department’s support has been crucial in aligning KP’s educational policies with the principles of equity and social justice, and CSOs remain committed to working alongside Dr. Shah to further these shared goals.
