Mr. John Wall, Country Director of the World Bank, Pakistan, visited the Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University on May 3, 2005 at 10 a.m.  On arrival at the main reception entrance of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shahida Jaffrey received him and a contingent of the Frontier Constabulary that has been providing security to the university for the past one year, presented a guard of honour.  He was provided a tour of the administrative block and met with staff, and was later taken on a walking tour of academic blocks, botany and zoology classes, museums and laboratories, the library, sports complex and the gymnasium.  He was taken on a tour by vehicle around the entire campus and briefed on the update and the future developments plans of the university.  Then he was provided a detailed briefing by the Vice Chancellor on the University’s five year development plan, for the years 2004-2009, that highlighted further expansion of academic departments, library, laboratories, computer networking, gem and gemology institute, proposed construction of academic blocks, hostels, faculty housing, eating places, auditorium and further introduction of various diploma courses. He visited the newly established Finishing School, The Oasis of Roses and saw the model home/cottage decorated with local and indigenous furniture and décor. He was very impressed with the overall development of the university that has been converted from a TB Sanatorium into a Women’s University in a very short time. Mr. Wall later addressed a hall full of students and faculty thus: 

“I am very pleased to be here this morning to see this wonderful university which is growing so quickly. It is amazing that before the first anniversary you have done so much. You have a very dynamic V.C. I would like to take a few minutes to give you my impressions from walking around and seeing your university. What I saw is a very good start to what looks like to become a very good university. It reminds me of my own experiences and that of my children. My daughter went to an all women’s university in the United States; she had the freedom of choices. Now in Balochistan you too have the choices to either attend a co-ed university or a women’s

“My job as the Country Director is to direct these programmes. I have been an economist for four years in the Pakistan office, three years on the Pakistan desk and the Country Director for five years. By the time I retire I would have spent fifteen years in Pakistan that is two thirds of my career with the World Bank. I love being in Pakistan and have made many friends whom I will always cherish.
Before his departure, Mr. Wall recorded his comments in the University’s Visitor’s book: “I was delighted and very impressed to see such a flourishing Women’s University in Quetta. It is amazing how much has been done in such a short time -- one year! I can see the women’s university have a great future in store for it. We are all lucky to have such a dynamic and visionary leader as VC Jaffrey” Students and faculty had some questions on the economy of Pakistan and the high cost of living, as well as World Bank’s projects in Balochistan.  

Mr. Wall had tea and refreshments at the university’s Grapevine Café, and admired the furniture, decor and the cleanliness. He had the opportunity of interacting with the elegantly dressed senior students who acted as student volunteers, and asked about their studies and their experiences at the university.  Later he remarked that the students were very smart, bright and intelligent. He visited the kitchen and met with the kitchen staff and was specially attracted by the old iron cooking stove in the kitchen.  He departed at 12 noon.