BAHAWALPUR, Mar 09 (APP): A delegation of senior officials from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, European Union, Canada, and Germany visited the Islamia University of Bahawalpur on Wednesday.
The members of the delegation called on Vice-Chancellor of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob.
The delegation members visited the 2.5 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant and observed the newly constructed building of the University College of Art and Design and the works of art created by the students at the Hakra Art Gallery.
While briefing the delegation, Vice-Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob said that the Islamia University of Bahawalpur is one of the leading universities in the country due to its large number of faculty and students and has international reputation.
He said that the 2.5 MW Solar Power Plant was set up by the Punjab Energy Department under the annual development plan for the year 2021-22 at a cost of Rs. 304.5 million.
The project saves the university Rs. 70 million annually and generates 0.2 million units of electricity per month. The project has significantly reduced carbon emissions. The project will soon be doubled, along with a renewable energy center. The members of the delegation appreciated the remarkable increase in the number of male and female students in Islamia University Bahawalpur, especially 40 percent female students.
On this occasion, the members of the delegation were informed that under the Ehsas Scholarship Program, Higher Education Commission, Government of Punjab, British Scholarship Program, more than 13,000 students are benefiting from scholarships of Rs. 700 million.
The delegation included European Union representative Androulla Kaminara, Najy Benhassine from World Bank, Miss Marrion Peffing from Germany, representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations Miss Florence Role, UNOP representative Ms Jaquiline, UNDP representative Omar Malik, Provincial Minister Hasnain Bahadur Dareshk, Secretary Planning and Development South Punjab Shoaib Iqbal Syed, and Secretary Education South Punjab Dr. Ehtesham Anwar Mahar.
