LAHORE: The 20th Convocation of the University of Central Punjab (UCP) was held at Expo Centre, Lahore, in a graceful ceremony. Punjab Governor Muhammad Rafique Rajwana graced the occasion with his presence as a chief guest. United States (US) Consul Lahore General Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau was also present on the occasion as the guest of honour.
A total number of 1,434 young men and women received their degrees. Ushna Afzal received the roll of honour on her outstanding performance, whereas, Mahad Afzal and Aqib Javaid were awarded excellence certificates on their outstanding performances in extra-curricular activities and sports respectively. Around 84 position holders were awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals and 188 graduates received MS/MPhil degrees.
Speaking at the ceremony, Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana congratulated the students saying that they should be thankful to their parents for making all-out efforts for the education their children.
He requested parents to let their daughters contribute towards making Pakistan a prosperous country. “If after graduation, they stay at home, then their education is wasted and Pakistan at this point is in need of their talent,” he said.
Addressing the students, he said, “This day demands students to save the future of Pakistan through their efforts.” Talking about terrorism, he said that Pakistan had sacrificed the most for peace in the region and it condemned all sort of terrorist activities happening anywhere in the world.
Rajwana also said that we should make efforts to provide social justice to the underprivileged members of the society to further promote the increasing corporate social service for the needy.
US Consul General Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, in her address, congratulated the students and said it was their day. She appreciated the contribution made by UCP in promoting higher education in the country.
UCP pro-rector thanked the honourable chief guest, guest of honour and other distinguished guests for attending the convocation. He acknowledged the contribution made by Mian Amir Mahmood in the education sector of Pakistan, saying that he had indeed proved to be a visionary and an exceptionally talented entrepreneur.
He commended the role of US Education Fund and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in promoting education and making it accessible at the basic and the tertiary levels in the country. He also thanked the distinguished senior executives from the corporate sector for their support extended to the university by facilitating students in internships, training, research and employment.
