Campuses pledge promotion of education

LAHORE
The educational institutes across the provincial metropolis, including schools, colleges and universities celebrated the 69th Independence Day with full zeal and zest by organising national flag-hoisting and other events to mark the day.
Majority of the public and private schools were especially opened to hold the I-Day events, including national songs competitions, flag-hoisting ceremonies and declamation contests etc.
The flag-hoisting ceremony at Punjab University (PU) was performed by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran and other administrative, teaching staff and students. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mujahid Kamran said that attention should be given to education in the same manner given to atomic programme of the country and it was the only way to resolve all the problems we were facing.
He said the government should spend on education as per international standards; we must respect other religions and should take care of minorities rights because Pakistan was created with the efforts and thoughts of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal and millions of people sacrificed their homes and lives, he added. He said our leaders and bureaucracy did not give priority to education and health and today we were facing the results. On this occasion, PU VC offered prayer for the prosperity of country and the Muslims. Later, sweets were distributed among the participants.
PU University Law College celebrated the day in a befitting manner by organising sports activities on the college premises. Secretary General of Pakistan Karate Federation Shamim Hashmi organised a Karate Show in which male and female players showed their skills. College Principal Dr Shazia Qurehsi appreciated the efforts of the team.
Virtual University (VU) arranged a flag-hoisting ceremony and the VU Rector Dr Naveed A Malik hoisted the national flag at MA Jinnah Campus Lahore while a large number of faculty members, staff and students attended the ceremony.
At the University of Engineering & Technology, the day started with the prayers for the country’s prosperity while Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Fazal Ahmad Khalid was the chief guest at national flag-hoisting ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, the VC said no nation could make progress without education. He said this was the information technology era and we should use technology in the right direction for the betterment of our country. The teaching and non-teaching staff and students of Government College of Home Economics, Gulberg also celebrated the Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervor. The national flag was hoisted by MPA Mrs Farhan Afzal while Principal Dr Samia Kalsoom and other officials were also present. The college was decorated with green and white balloons, colourful lights, buntings and banners. The students presented speeches and national songs. A cake was also cut to celebrate the day.
Similarly the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) started the day with flag-hoisting ceremony followed by three major events - the cake cutting ceremony, tree plantation and the main event in the hall.
LCWU Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Uzma Qureshi was the chief guest. Dr Uzma in her address highlighted the importance of education to build a strong and stable Pakistan. She said that LCWU was a leading university which was using its resources for women development. She also stressed the need of unity, faith, and discipline and women empowerment for nation building. The campus was artistically illuminated.
At a ceremony at National College of Arts, the college Principal Prof Dr Murtaza Jafri hoisted the national flag while faculty and the staff were also present on the occasion. The participants prayed for the development and safety of Pakistan.
The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha hoisted the national flag at the City Campus while a large number of faculty members, staff and students attended the ceremony.
Later, the VC chaired a seminar and speaking on the occasion asked the staff to work hard with honesty and dedication for the progress of the UVAS and the country. Earlier in the morning, Quran Khawani and thanksgiving prayers were arranged in the UVAS mosque.
Similarly the Government College University (GCU) and other colleges and universities of the provincial metropolis celebrated the day by organising colourful events.