By HABIB MUHAMMAD KHATTAK:
LOWER DIR — Speakers at the first annual convocation of Zeb Medical, Dental and Nursing College highlighted the central role of nursing in strengthening the healthcare system, describing it as an essential pillar of modern medical services.
The ceremony was held in Timergara, the headquarters of Lower Dir, where graduating students received degrees, awards and shields in the presence of their families, faculty members and local dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, former senator Ahmed Hassan Khan said healthcare begins with ensuring access to qualified professionals and modern education. He stressed that the development of nursing education is vital for improving service delivery in hospitals and clinics. “No health system can function effectively without trained nursing staff,” he said, urging greater investment in professional training and institutional capacity.
The event was also addressed by the college’s Chief Executive and former provincial minister Nawabzada Mahmood Zeb Khan, who congratulated the graduating class and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to quality education in medical and nursing sciences. He noted that expanding opportunities in nursing would help meet growing healthcare demands in the region.
Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Timergara Zaid Safi and other speakers also spoke on the occasion, underscoring the importance of skilled nursing professionals in patient care and community health services.
The convocation marked a milestone for the institution, celebrating its first graduating batch of 2026 and recognizing academic excellence among students. Organizers described the ceremony as a step forward in promoting professional healthcare education in the district.
