The honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani’s visit to NFC IET Multan

Unveiling of Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani Block: The honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani Inaugurates Mechanical Engineering Department at NFC IET Multan

The honorable Vice Chancellor NFC IET Multan Prof. Dr. Malik Akhtar Ali Kalrou invited the former Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani on the momentous event of inauguration of the Mechanical Engineering Department on 25^th May 2023.

The block has been named after the former premier, the esteemed Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani in recognition of his untiring services for the Nation. The respected Gillani family is well renowned for providing their dedicated support and services for the entire country and Southern Punjab region in particular, especially in the field of education. Following the footsteps of his forefathers, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani extended the exemplary work by alleviating poverty, providing healthcare, infrastructure and most importantly by raising the standards and opportunities of higher education in the southern Punjab region. NFC IET Multan is a perspicuous example of his vision, as during his tenure, in 2012 the institute was upgraded and awarded the status of a Federal Degree Awarding institute. It is pertinent to mention that the growth and progress of the residents of southern Punjab region amplified during his tenure as well, which stands as a clear landmark of dynamic leadership, hard work and forward thinking of the honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani.

Prof. Dr. Malik Akhtar Ali Kalrou, along with the principal officers, department heads and entire faculty of NFC IET Multan received the grace for the ribbon cutting ceremony of Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani Block by the dignitary Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani. At the event, media personnel were also covering the proceedings. Later, the honorable guests were accompanied by the worthy Vice Chancellor and his team for the campus visit on university’s electric powered metro buses (the first of its kind initiative in the country). While visiting the campus, the honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani admired that NFC IET Multan is one of the few institutes of the region that has purpose-built campus, vibrant infrastructure, clean environment and its up-to-date maintenance, which is unparalleled.

Later, the Vice Chancellor accompanied the premier for a detailed briefing about the key milestones and achievements over the last decade. First, the honorable Vice Chancellor apprised the distinguished guest about the dynamic steps taken to enhance the university standing in national ranking, particularly in South Punjab region. In this regard, it was also notified that in its recent session, the gracious National Assembly of Pakistan approved a bill to facilitate the official change in institute name. The honorable Vice Chancellor mentioned that FIESTA (Federal Institute of Engineering, Sciences, Technology, and Arts) as newly approved name, will enable to better represent the broad spectrum of programs offered at the institute which will help to set sail positively in order to reach our 2030 vision and beyond. In addition, the honorable Vice Chancellor also educated about the strategy of the self-sustainability of the institute. In this regard, the esteemed Vice Chancellor presented the future plans of establishing and launching a purpose-built medical college and teaching hospital to facilitate quality medical education for the southern Punjab region. These future plans were greatly admired by the honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, and it was ensured that full support will be provided to materialize this roadmap.

Furthermore, the premier added that the self-sustaining financial model designed by Prof. Dr. Malik Akhtar Ali Kalrou is a transparent and vibrant model that is one of its kinds and must be adopted by the entire country to steer out of the economic hardships. He also added that the exponential growth of the institute over the last decade is a clear testimony to the transparency and efficacy of the self-sustaining model at NFC IET Multan. In his remarks, he mentioned that having seen the tremendous growth, his decision to grant the institute a degree awarding status proved evident. Furthermore, the distinguished premier admired the fact that this institute witnessed unprecedented and amazing growth under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Malik Akhtar Ali Kalrou, where it is ready to compete not only at the national but also at international level. Furthermore, the honorable premier mentioned that he is immensely pleased and overwhelmed to see such stupendous transformation of the institute into the leading engineering & technology institute of the region in a shorter span of time, and now truly believes that the decision of his then Government to appoint Prof. Dr. Malik Akhtar Ali Kalrou as the first Vice Chancellor of the institute was indeed a promising and steadfast decision.

The honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani also spared a silent moment and led prayers for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the future of this country. In his remarks, he mentioned that he is utterly pleased to see that Prof. Dr. Malik Akhtar Ali Kalrou named the main university road as “M. M. Alam” road to show solidarity, support, and respect with our national heroes. Furthermore, while addressing the media, the honorable Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani talked in length about the need for education and quality research centers for the growth of our beloved country. In his remarks, he admired the progress of the institute that has witnessed immense growth in the last 10 years under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Malik Akhtar Ali Kalrou. During the presentation, the respected Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani interacted with the department heads and the faculty members to show his confidence in the quality work performed. Finally, the honorable Vice Chancellor and his entire team thanked the distinguished guest for his tremendous support that led the institute on the progressive path.