Islamabad, Apr 28: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani last evening launched Namal College in Mianwali, a brainchild of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan.

Imran said he decided to open the college to tackle the high level of unemployment among the youth of Mianwali. He said he wanted to open a college in order to provide high quality training and employable skills, so that the youth of the district could earn a decent living.

A large number of people gathered on Sunday for the inauguration of the college, including government ministers, educationists, and donors alongside the people of Mianwali, who have so generously donated the land on which the college has been built, reported The News.

Imran's vision is to create a world-class research university and knowledge city where scholars can work and study in an Oxford-like academic environment. "This is the most beautiful location, and exactly the right kind of environment to set up a centre of excellence. In a few years’ time, academics will work and live here,” the paper quoted Imran as saying.

The University of Bradford has granted 'Associate College' status to Namal College. Commenting on the importance of the partnership with the Namal College, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bradford Mark Cleary said, “We were inspired by the vision and values for Namal College, which we felt were very similar to our own and to the commitment for excellence, exemplified by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, also a partner of the university, which we know will be demonstrated here at Namal College too.”

According to the paper, the Bradford University will be involved in designing the courses and curriculum, in ensuring quality assurance mechanism and training and development for the faculty. Courses will be delivered in 4 phases. The Phase I will offer certificate courses, Phase II diploma courses, Phase III degree course and Phase IV research degrees.

The initial curriculum will be focused in the following areas: Construction (masons, carpenters, electricians), automotive engineering, electrical engineering with emphasis on appliances repairs; agricultural equipment engineering, development and maintenance, and cement industry work. (ANI)