Karachi | July 19, 2025
In a move that reflects a growing investment in education and digital empowerment, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inaugurated a series of major infrastructure and technology initiatives at NED University on Friday from new hostel buildings to the distribution of Chromebooks among top-performing students.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CM Murad highlighted his government’s commitment to higher education, innovation, and inclusive development through pioneering efforts such as the People’s Information Technology Programme (PITP). “Our goal is not just to create opportunities, but to prepare our youth for the future by equipping them with the skills, tools, and infrastructure they need to succeed,” he stated.
Strengthening Educational Infrastructure
Two major projects were officially launched at NED University. The first, a state-of-the-art building for the Department of Food Engineering, comes equipped with advanced laboratories and has been completed at a cost of Rs96.48 million. The second, the International Boys Hostel — built at a cost of Rs67.11 million — will now provide accommodation for 112 students.
In a progressive step toward gender inclusivity, the CM also inaugurated a newly built Girls Hostel block, designed to house 52 female students. With an investment of Rs98.52 million, the facility marks a significant advancement for women pursuing engineering and technical education in Pakistan.
PITP – A Digital Leap for Sindh’s Youth
CM Murad took the opportunity to spotlight the achievements of the People’s Information Technology Programme (PITP), a government-led initiative launched in collaboration with NED University, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), and Sukkur IBA University.
He proudly shared that 13,565 students have been trained under the first phase of PITP (PITP-I), surpassing all initial expectations. Even more encouraging, over 4,350 of those trained have already secured employment, injecting a direct income of Rs49 million into the provincial economy.
“Digital empowerment is no longer optional — it’s essential,” the CM remarked, underlining the significance of bridging the digital divide and preparing young Pakistanis for the global tech-driven economy.
Celebrating Merit and Inclusivity
During the ceremony, 300 Google Chromebooks were handed over to the top-performing PITP students. The distribution, CM Murad stressed, was based on a strictly merit-driven and transparent selection process, designed individually for each participating institution.
One of the highlights of PITP, the CM noted, has been the impressive participation of female students: 40% at Sukkur IBA, 36% at NED, and 33.6% at MUET. Moreover, the fact that 62% of MUET’s PITP participants hail from rural areas illustrates the programme’s success in reaching beyond urban centers and making digital learning accessible to all.
A Record Budget for Education
CM Murad also revealed that Sindh has allocated an unprecedented Rs42 billion to public sector universities in the current fiscal year — the highest among all provinces. These funds are intended to support not only operational needs but also critical areas like research, infrastructure, and innovation.As new buildings rise and Chromebooks find their way into the hands of deserving students, the message from Sindh’s leadership is clear: education, equality, and empowerment will remain at the heart of the province’s future.
