Dera Ismail Khan, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 1st May, 2026) The 52nd foundation day ceremony of Gomal University was held with enthusiasm at its main campus on Friday, where General Officer Commanding (GOC) 40 Division, Major General Mudassir Saeed, attended as chief guest and highlighted the institution’s academic legacy and national role.
Addressing the ceremony at the Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium, the GOC said that Gomal University holds a distinguished place among higher education institutions and serves as an important identity of Dera Ismail Khan with global recognition.
The event was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal and attended by former vice chancellors, retired and serving faculty members, alumni, and students in large numbers. District Police Officer Zia-ud-Din Ahmad also participated in the ceremony.
Major General Mudassir Saeed said that the contributions of past and present teachers and students have played a key role in the university’s progress. He stressed that education, training, and rule of law are fundamental for national development and must be pursued consistently.
He observed that the country is facing challenges including intolerance and extremism, which are affecting unity and cohesion. He urged collective efforts to overcome these issues and counter misinformation, adding that Pakistan has yet to fully utilize its potential.
Justice (Retd) Dad Khan said that prior to the establishment of Gomal University, students from the region had to travel to distant areas for higher education, making advanced degrees difficult to achieve. He termed the current academic environment a reflection of the university’s growth.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, in his address, congratulated the university community on completing 52 years and shared institutional achievements. He said the university is offering education in 275 disciplines, has organized numerous international conferences, and achieved financial savings of Rs175 million along with 41,000 liters of diesel.
He added that the university has attained HEC X-category ranking, introduced scholarships, shifted towards solar energy, and established open forums to address issues faced by students and employees.
He called upon the public to support the institution, suggesting the formation of a consultative council and enhanced financial backing to ensure sustainability.
Former Vice Chancellor Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi said that the establishment of Gomal University was part of a broader vision during the tenure of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundation of key universities across the country.
Other speakers, including Prof. Dr. Faiz Jalil, Prof. Dr. Waqar Haider Bukhari, Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Shah, and DIG Motorway Police Imran Shahid, emphasized continued efforts in education, research, and institutional development.
At the end of the ceremony, shields were exchanged between the chief guest and the vice chancellor, while a cake-cutting ceremony marked the celebrations. Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niamatullah Babur presented the vote of thanks.
The event was also attended by former provincial minister Haji Abdul Haleem Qasuria, Registrar Zahir Shah Marwat, traders’ representatives and media persons.
