Governor urges students to strengthen grip on AI, technology

LAHORE : Punjab Governor M Balighur Rehman has said that artificial intelligence and technology have now become game changers and the students must strengthen their grip in these fields. He said that it is unfortunate that Pakistan has not progressed in the field of education as desired.

He was addressing the Punjab University’s 132nd Convocation at Faisal Auditorium here on Saturday. On this occasion, the caretaker education minister Mansoor Qadir, PU Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Abdullah Khan Durrani, Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam, Controller of Examinations M Rauf Nawaz, deans, principals, directors of institutes, heads of departments, faculty members and a large number of students and their parents were present.

In the 132nd convocation of Punjab University, gold medals were distributed to 90 undergraduate, 66 masters and 92 MS/MPhil candidates, while degrees were presented to 359 PhD scholars. A total of 1,035 degrees and medals were distributed in the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, the Punjab governor said that the students should apply knowledge, mind and research in national affairs to reach the right conclusion and should tolerate the opposite point of view with patience. He said performance should be given priority over personalities. He said that everyone has got a chance to rule here, so it should be seen what was the ranking of the country in various matters before the government and what was the ranking of the country on those matters when the government was over. He said that an educated person learns how to speak with logic.

He said that the Acting Vice-Chancellor told the participants about the decrease in the budget of the university by the federal government, so the students should research by themselves how much money the federal government allocated for higher education in 2013 and how much money was allocated for higher education until 2018. While after 2018, the amount for higher education continued to be reduced, he added. He said that until 2018, the number of out-of-school children was decreasing, but, it is a pity that after 2018, this number had increased to more than 25 million by 2022.

He said that it should be seen under whose regime more educational institutions were opened and during whose regime the most opportunities were provided. He said that students should develop critical and analytical skills in themselves. He said that attempts were being made to create division in the society by spreading hateful material. He said that it is our responsibility to research any message before forwarding it on social media. He said that by getting lost in trivial matters, we have forgotten the basic ethics and norms which existed in our society.

He urged the students to maintain good relations with others despite differences. He said that the main purpose of universities is to do research. He said that some people highlight flaws and shortcomings too much while we should also focus on the good and positive things and be happy with the blessings that are available. He said that one should look at ones shortcomings only in a way to improve them.

He urged the students to pay special attention to character building. He said that degree gives new opportunities but success comes with good character. He said that the success of students is connected with the success of humanity. He said that students should be grateful to their parents and after parents; they should thank their teachers who enabled them to move ahead.

The Acting VC said that those nations are moving forward in the world, which is promoting education and research. He said that we have full confidence in our youth that they will be able to lead their elders on the basis of their abilities. He said that in accordance with the requirements of the modern era, practical training is also provided to the students through workshops, seminars, conferences and symposiums along with formal teaching.

He said that during the last nine months, 289 scholars were awarded PhD degrees in Punjab University, while 66 seminars and 26 conferences including a number of workshops were organised, which is a unique example of its kind. He said that in a short period of nine months, 154 employees of Punjab University were promoted to the next positions, two meetings of the Senate, four meetings of the Syndicate, 3 meetings of the Academic Council and 15 meetings of the Advanced Studies and Research Board were held.