The Allama Iqbal Open University will construct Azadi Complex to project rare photographs and documents to motivate the new generation to remember the great leaders who rendered unprecedented sacrifices during the Pakistan Movement and prepare them to translate its objectives into reality.
This was stated by the AIOU vice chancellor AIOU while presiding over a ceremony in connection with the Independence Day celebrations at the varsity on Tuesday. The entire cost for the construction of the complex will be borne by the university while the National Archives of Pakistan will arrange a suitable piece of land for the complex.
The complex will be built at Wagha Border or near Minar-e-Pakistan where thousands of people go everyday to pay tribute to their leaders and expres their emotional attachment with the country, he added. The vice chancellor inaugurated the exhibition of the Quaid-e-Azam’s documents, photographs and hundred-year old newspapers of the Pakistan Movement, arranged by the National Archives of Pakistan.
Archives Director General Habib Ahmad Khan was also present on the occasion as the chief guest. The vice chancellor also announced to expand the varsity’s network to each nook and corner of the country to provide quality education to the deprived section of the society. A model study centre will be built in each district, where e-learning facility and a laboratory to facilitate the students for their easy access to the modern education system and the university’s programmes at their doorsteps. The vice chancellor also distributed special awards to dedicated and hardworking officers and employees of the university. The award consists of a certificate and cash prize in recognition of their meritorious services for the development of the university and making best possible efforts to ensure access to quality education to the needy students all over the country. HE also hoisted a flag over the main campus to commemorate the Independence Day. A colourful variety show was also arranged on the occasion. The children of the AIOU employees residing in the university’s colony presented national songs and a tableau besides delivering speeches, highlighting the historic independence movement and sacrifices of their leaders. They pledged to follow the Pakistan Movement’s heroes and make the country prosperous. The tableau presentation was led by an AIOU employee, Faqir Hussain.
The ceremony was arranged by the Department of Pakistan Studies. Head of the Department, Dr Amanullah Memon, highlighted the role of the AIOU in communicating the message of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders to the young generation. The vice chancellor lauded the services of heads of the university’s various departments, including Bashir Muhammad Chaudhry, Prof Dr Syed Abdus Siraj, chairman, Mass Communication Department, and Dr Rashid Naeem.
