Private and public schools and universities of Lahore marked the 68th Independence Day of Pakistan on Thursday. Heads of the institutions paid homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and remembered the untiring efforts of our great leaders of Pakistan Movement. The Government College University (GCU), Lahore celebrated the Independence Day, and prayed for peace and prosperity of the country, and paid tribute to army men taking part in the operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan.
Addressing the grand flag hoisting ceremony, GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said peace was inevitable for economic development in the country. He laid stress on further strengthening educational institutions of the country. Professor Khaleeq said Allama Iqbal's philosophy and Quaid-e-Azam's life served as beacons of light for the Muslim youth in the contemporary world and students should seek guidance from them. He proudly said that the vision of Pakistan was given by an illustrious Ravian student and teacher, Dr Allama Iqbal.
The VC reiterated the commitment that GCU would leave no stone unturned for development of country in the realm of research and education. He also recollected contributions of Ravians in nation building especially in the field of nuclear technology. Professor Khaleeq called upon the GCU faculty and staff members to carry out their individual as well as collective responsibilities sincerely, honestly and justly.
Earlier, the VC along with academic heads hoisted the national flag in GCU Bukhari Auditorium while the entire GCU faculty and staff were in attendance. It was followed by broadcast of national anthem. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran has said that the Independence Day demands us to be knowledgeable, become soldier and ensure discipline in our everyday life like a soldier.
He was addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony outside Vice Chancellor's office in connection with Independence Day celebrations. Registrar Professor Dr Muhammad Amin Athar, PU Law College Principal Professor Dr Shazia Qureshi, Professor Dr Ehsan Malik, Professor Dr Taqi Zahid Butt, Professor Dr Shahid Kamal, Professor Dr Ismattullah Zahid, Professor Dr Liaqat Ali, Professor Dr Syed Mansoor Sarwar, Additional Registrar Dr Kamran Abid, Resident Officer-I Dr Ehsan Sharif, Additional Registrar II Malik Muhammad Zaheer and a large number of faculty members, employees and children were present on the occasion.
On this occasion, the Vice Chancellor announced to compile oral history of Pakistan Movement and Punjab University by inviting eminent personalities every week and organising lecture series. Meanwhile, various departments of Punjab University had organized various activities in connection with Independence Day. Punjab University Law College on the direction of Principal Professor Dr Shazia Qureshi organized various activities to celebrate Independence Day with fervour. Punjab University Centre for South Asian Studies Director Professor Dr Umbreen Javaid organized one-day seminar on "Azadi-e-Pakistan Aur us ka Tahafuz" in which Dr Muhammad Zahid Khan Lodhi was key note speaker. Dr Lodhi mentioned how Punjab and Bengal were divided dishonestly due to conspiracies of Hindus and Britishers and the Muslims had to pay a heavy price. Centre for Clinical Psychology organized a colourful ceremony in which students presented patriotic songs. CCP Director Dr Rukhsana Kausar paid tribute to Pakistan army and lauded its sacrifices in fight against terrorists.
Addressing a special lecture at Pakistan Study Centre, Director Dr Massarat Abid said that Quaid-e-Azam wanted to see Pakistan as a politically stable and economically viable state and to play a leading role in the Muslim world. Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) also celebrated Independence Day with traditional fervour. The day started with the flag hoisting ceremony followed by two major events - the gallery show by Fine Arts Department and the main event in the hall. Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, Minister for Population and Welfare was the chief guest. The Vice Chancellor Dr Sabiha Mansoor welcomed the chief guest. The event comprised speeches and national songs sung to the accompaniment of music followed by cake cutting and the distribution of sweets.
On this occasion, Begum Shahnawaz appreciated LCWU as a leading Women University. She also praised the institution and the way it is able to use its resources for women development and for empowering women, on merit, coming from all socio-economic classes of Pakistan. She appreciated the Vice Chancellor for her vision and her efforts for making high quality higher education accessible to young female students of the country and for simultaneously focusing on faculty development and expertise.
The Vice Chancellor stressed on the need of unity, faith, discipline and women empowerment for nation building. VC announced to grant honorary degrees of PhD to the top women social activist for appreciation their services. She said that Begum Bilqees Edhi would be the first nominee in this regard. Dr Mansoor also announced to set up Fatima Jinnah Chair in the campus so that young generation can have maximum knowledge about Pakistan Studies and history of its movement.
The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) also arranged a flag hoisting ceremony to mark the Independence Day here on Wednesday. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha hoisted the national flag on the City Campus while a large number of faculty members, staff and students attended ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the university employees and students on celebrating the Independence Day and asked them to work hard with honesty and dedication for the progress of the UVAS and the country. Later, various sports events (cricket, badminton, tug-of-war, musical chairs, etc) were held in university sports ground. In the end, the Vice Chancellor gave away prizes to the winners.
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