Federal Minister for Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Monday that investment in people was necessary to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous country. He was addressing the formal launching ceremony of Rs 20 Commemorative Coin of Lawrence College here on Monday. The coin has been issued marking 150 years (1860-2010) of the college.
The coin has been issued in quantity of 100,000 and has already been available at all field offices of State Bank of Pakistan since May 28.
The existing Rs 20 bank notes will continue to be legal tender. The wording “150 Year Celebrations - Lawrence College Ghora Gali Murree” in English is written on the top of coin along with the periphery. There are small beads all along the edge of coin.
Principal of the College Air Cdre (Retd) Farooq H Kiyani also spoke on the occasion.Former Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali, Secretary Finance Dr.Waqar Masood were also present on the occasion.
Dr Hafeez Shaikh said everybody should work for the development and prosperity of the country. He added that the government was making all out efforts for improving the living conditions of people in the country and was providing skill and technical education to the youth in the country.
He appreciated the principal and staff members of the institution for providing quality education to the students.
Later talking to APP, Dr Hafeez Shaikh said that under the 7th NFC award the federal government had transferred Rs.700 billion to the provinces, which they could spend for social sector development, including health , education, poverty alleviation and human resource.
He said that despite devolving the education sector to the provinces, the Federal Government was providing funds to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to continue its endeavours for higher education in the country.
He added that the provinces would also be assisted in initiating foreign funded projects in the education sector.
Principal of the College, Air Cdre (Retd) Farooq H Kiyani thanked the Finance Minister and Secretary for launching the commemorative coin.
Later, the Chief guest presented the coins set to old Gallians, including Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali, Gen (Retd) Hamid Rab Nawaz, Gen (Retd) Sajjad Akram, Gen (Retd) Alam, Brig (Retd) Zafar Hayat and Naveed Ikhlaque. APP
