The 15th graduation ceremony of Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants celebrated the graduates while hoping for further growth in the field
HAPPENINGS
Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants (PIPFA) is the leading organization nurturing public finance accountants in Pakistan. It is sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), and the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP). PIPFA is a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), a global organization that sets standards for the accounting profession.
The institute recently marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 15th graduation ceremony here in Lahore. The prestigious event was graced by a range of distinguished guests, with the chief guest being Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokar, Member of the National Assembly. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of notable figures such as Mr. Mohammad Maqbool, member of the National Council of ICAP; Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Qazi, president of ICMAP; and M. Ali Latif, president of PIPFA. The event was a grand occasion, bringing together graduates, faculty members, and representatives from various professional bodies, including ICAP, ICMAP, AGP, and ACCA.
The ceremony commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran. This was followed by a warm welcome address delivered by Mr. Farhan Dilawar Sheikh, FPFA, ACA, the convener of the Lahore Branch Committee. In his speech, Mr. Sheikh extended his heartfelt greetings to the distinguished guests, their families, and all the graduates – the real stars of the day – acknowledging their efforts that led to the success of the event.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Guest Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokar emphasized the importance of professional development in the fields of accounting, finance, and auditing. He highlighted the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in these sectors, particularly in the context of public finance. Mr. Khokar commended PIPFA’s initiatives of developing online examination systems enhancing the credibility of the overall system. He also urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. His message underscored the need for continuous education and skill development to meet the evolving challenges in the financial sector.
In his address, the President of PIPFA M. Ali Latif also highlighted the achievements of the institute, noting its unwavering commitment to nurture skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth of public finance in Pakistan. He touched on the pressing issue of the shortage of qualified public finance accountants in the country, a challenge that PIPFA is actively working to address. Mr. Mohammad Maqbool, a founding member of PIPFA, stressed that the development of human resources in this field is not just a matter of professional growth but also essential for the economic development of the nation. He called on graduates to focus on character building alongside technical proficiency, ensuring they serve with integrity and dedication to the public good. Mr. Maqbool also highlighted the significance of incubating AI knowledge in the field of audit, accounts, and finance. He motivated students and professionals to gain AI related education in order to meet the challenges of the modern business world.
Chief Guest Mr. Khokar, along with the other honoured guests, distributed shields and certificates to the proud graduates of PIPFA. The chief guest and other dignitaries congratulated PIPFA on organizing a flawless and impactful graduation ceremony, expressing their continued support for the institute’s efforts in producing top-tier professionals in public finance accounting.
The 15th graduation ceremony was a true testament to PIPFA’s ongoing contribution to the accounting and finance sectors in Pakistan. The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates but also highlighted the need for further growth and development in the field of public finance accounting.
The event concluded with an address by Mr. Ibn e Abbass Ashraf, a member of the Lahore Branch Committee of PIPFA, who presented the vote of thanks to the chief guest, the guests of honour, the president of PIPFA, and all the other distinguished guests from ICAP, ICMAP, AGP, and ACCA.
The successful event served as a reminder of the pivotal role professional institutions like PIPFA play in shaping the future of Pakistan's financial landscape.