British Council honours students

Some 200 students who had completed their education in Britain but were unable to attend their graduation ceremonies there were honoured by the British Council here at a ceremony on Monday. British Deputy High Commissioner Alison Blake awarded certificates to students at the ceremony, which was organised by the British Council in collaboration with the British High Commission. “The thousands of Pakistani graduates from UK universities embody the strong and lasting connections between our two countries. These are remarkable individuals who are working towards building a brighter, better future for Pakistan and we are proud of their achievements,” said Blake.
A statement released by the High Commission said Pakistan and the UK enjoyed strong social, economic and cultural ties rooted in years of a shared history. “As a result, the UK remains a favourite destination for Pakistanis seeking educational opportunities abroad. However, many Pakistani students who return from UK express disappointment at having missed out on their graduation ceremonies,” said the statement, adding that this was the first of a series of three events providing an opportunity for alumni from UK universities to relive their graduation moments and to celebrate their academic achievements with their loved ones.
“To organise this alumni conference and assist them in networking with each other, the British Council has established the British Alumni Association of Pakistan (BAAP). The organisation has four provincial chapters and many other smaller sub-chapters across the country. I encourage all graduates of UK universities to join their local chapters,” British Council Country Director David Martin told the gathering. Many students who studied in British universities, including Pakistan’s foremost nuclear physicist Dr Samar Mubarakmand, renowned human rights activists Samar Minalla and Fatima Jinnah Women’s University Registrar Dr Maryam Rab also spoke on the occasion and recalled their days in the UK.