In order to promote research in coal technology, energy, and environmental engineering, seven state-of-the-art research laboratories, built at a cost of Rs182 million, were inaugurated by Punjab Minister for Higher Education Syed Raza Ali Gillani at Punjab University Centre for Coal Technology on Wednesday.The labs are equipped with the latest research gadgets worth Rs140 million.Addressing the ceremony, the minister claimed that the government had overcome the energy crisis which the country had been facing since 2013 “as per the commitment to the people”.He added that there was a need to utilise indigenous resources so that Pakistan could benefit from coal power.The minister said that some neighbouring countries were worried by the rapid development in Pakistan. He added students would bring the country forward and must serve the nation by excelling in their fields.Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHCE) Chairman Dr Nizamuddin said that such meaningful research facilities were few in number at universities. "Our curriculum must be in line with existing technology. We must promote entrepreneurship programmes and linkages with industry and PHEC would fund seminars and conferences."Published in The Express Tribune, November 23, 2017.