‘Medical college, teaching hospital to be set up at PU’

LAHORE

Punjab Minister for Higher Education Syed Raza Ali Gillani on Monday said that a medical college and a 400-bed teaching hospital would be established at the Punjab University (PU).

He was speaking at the 125th convocation of the PU in which a total of 1,454 degrees, medals and prizes were distributed. 

The minister announced that 10 buses would be provided to Punjab University on the demand of university administration and assured his full support for construction of five hostels and flats for teachers and employees at PU.

During the convocation, 126 PhD, 738 MPhil/MS, 238 Master’s, 178 under-graduation degrees and 174 medals were distributed among students. Also 80 medals were distributed among undergraduate students while 94 medals were distributed among Master’s students. 

A Korean student Ms Park Kyo Soun obtained her PhD degree in History during the convocation while an Iranian student obtained her PhD degree in Biological Sciences. A blind student Muhammad Ahmad also got gold medal in his master’s degree in Pakistan Studies.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir, Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairman Prof Dr Nizamuddin, Registrar Prof Dr Naeem Khan, Controller of Examinations Prof Dr Shahid Munir, deans of various faculties, Syndicate members, heads of institutions, faculty members, and a large number of degree and medal holders were present on the occasion.  The minister said there was no book better than the Holy Quran and if we take guidance from the Holy Quran, we can rule the world. He said it was indicated in the World Economic Forum that Pakistan was 8 points better than India in development.

He congratulated the degree holders and medal winners and said the country was progressing due to the policies adopted by the government. He said a few elements wanted to spread terror in country but we were facing them without any fear and we would completely defeat them in war on terror. 

He said the government was taking initiatives to bring five universities of Punjab in QS ranking with special focus on PU. He said he believed in the leadership of PU VC Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir and his policies would bring PU among the top 500 universities of the world. He said Pakistani nation was far better than European nations and our people should work for their own country rather than seeking nationality of other countries because they would still be considered aliens. He said we must serve our country with the passion of patriotism. He said it was unfortunate that we were widening our gap with our culture and the person who could speak English language was considered a “literate”. 

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir said it was his top priority to bring PU among top 500 universities of the world. He said he wanted to establish culture of quality research on campus and central point of his policy was merit. He said that he believed in devolution of power so he was empowering deans and heads of institutions. 

The VC said he believed in authority with accountability. He said he was introducing a digital campus management system replacing obsolete existing system. He said one window cell was also being set up at Department of Examinations. 

PU Registrar Prof Dr Naeem Khan announced that on the direction of PU VC, contract lectureship would be offered to the students who would get gold medals in their master’s after completion of their MPhil and this policy had been revived after 35 years. Later, the minister distributed degrees and medals among the distinguished students.