Governor Punjab, Engineer Muhammad Balighur Rehman awarding degree to a student with Chancellor Ms. Sadia Rashid, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Syed Shabib al Hasan and DG Hamdard University, Islamabad Campus Mr. Imtiaz Haider (L-R)

ISLAMABAD, March 08, 2024: The 17th Degree Awarding Ceremony of Hamdard University Islamabad Campus held on Friday. Governor Punjab Engineer Muhammad Balighur Rehman was the chief guest of the ceremony. The joyous ceremony was presided over by Ms Sadia Rashid, the Chancellor of the Hamdard University. Professor Dr. Syed Shabib Al Hasan, Vice Chancellor and Imtiaz Haider, Director General were also present on the occasion. Besides, senior faculty members and a large number of students participated in the degree awarding ceremony of Hamdard University, Islamabad.

Address by Governor Punjab, Balighur Rehman

Addressing the event, Chief Guest Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman said that we should remember the quest and efforts of Shaheed Hakeem Mohammad Said. He was a well-known scholar, writer, intellectual, philanthropist, an innovator and the founder of the Library Association of Pakistan. Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman while acknowledging the unparalleled services of Shaheed Hakeem Mohammad Said, said that the family of Shaheed Hakeem Mohammad Said has been serving diligently to elevate the education, science and health sectors for the last one-hundred years. The governor admired the efforts of Hakeem Mohammad Said for establishing institutions like Hamdard Pharmacy, Hamdard Foundation and Hamdard University. Governor Punjab further said that Hamdard University inspired the children and youth of Pakistan for various positive activities which promoted peace, development and prosperity in the country.

He said that Shaheed Hakeem Mohammad Said said that an illiterate nation can never maintain its pride.Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman said that the name of this university is Hamdard University, it is not just a name. Allah loves mercy and compassion, and there is a dire need to promote them in society, he added. He said that Hamdard University is playing an important role in promoting higher education in the country. Today, the successful students from here are lucky to have the opportunity to study at this esteemed institution. He said that the number of out-of-school children in Pakistan is 2.5 million, which is the highest in the world. Governor Punjab said that it is the responsibility of governments to provide free education to children, but it is unfortunate for Pakistan that the governments here have never given priority to education. Governor Punjab advised the students to develop positive attitudes in the society, ignore the hearsay in this era of artificial intelligence, and if required, believe it by research.

Make the service of humanity your motto, be grateful to Allah Almighty, parents, play your role in promoting social values by giving respect to others and do whatever you do with true dedication, he added. Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman congratulated the graduating students on completion of their degrees. “I am certain that the Hamdard University has prepared these students to face the challenges of life with patience and wisdom”, he said. Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman urged the students to move forward with hope and confidence and wished them all the best for a bright future. He also thanked Chancellor Hamdard University Sadia Rashid for inviting him to the certificate distribution ceremony.

Address by Chancellor Ms Sadia Rashid

Speaking on the occasion, Chancellor Sadia Rashid said that it is a moment of gratitude and elation –for the new graduates, and as well as for the parents and guardians who have invested significant care and made sacrifices to bring these students to this significant milestone of success. She also acknowledged the efforts and hard work of teachers and the management, who generously and diligently served for the success of their students. Dr Sadia further said that it is crucial to acknowledge the indebtedness we owe to all those who have played significant or minor roles in helping us reach this pinnacle of success. Addressing the students, she said that in a world (and undoubtedly a country) where many individuals do not even receive a primary education, you are fortunate enough to belong to that minute minority who have successfully completed higher education.

Ms Sadia said it is natural to feel nervous on such an important occasion, but let us not succumb to fear. Instead, let us have faith—in ourselves, in our training, and in Allah. If we remain honest and diligent in our efforts, success will come our way, however, we must not be naive enough to expect instant success or begin at the pinnacle. There are numerous steps to climb before reaching the top, she added. She advised the students to take inspiration from the humble beginnings of the esteemed founders of Hamdard—Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed and his son, Hakim Mohammed Said. Through their unwavering determination to work and serve Allah and His creations, they achieved remarkable heights, she said.

Address by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Syed Shabib Al Hasan

In his speech, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Syed Shabib Al Hasan said our Founder Chancellor, Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said, through his unique vision, served this country in many capacities and became a torch bearer of dedication and commitment. Hakim Said believed in the power of education to transform the society, he said. Dr Hasan said we are proud of the fact that the achievements of Hamdard University are acknowledged all over the country. He said that the University is continuously upgrading its resources and infrastructure to improve the processes aligned with the requirements of Higher Education Commission Pakistan.

He said that the Director General, his team and faculty are imparting quality education, undertaking good governance initiatives and developing key national and international linkages. HUIC has successfully achieved accreditation of new programs, met quality assurance standard of HEC, direction of research publications of over 100 articles, books, and other learning resources, he said. He acknowledged the achievements of the students and advised them to be prepared to face the challenges of professional life with a complete sense of responsibility and passion. Always remember what Shaheed Hakim Sahib has taught all of us, ‘Love Pakistan, Build Pakistan’, he added.

Address by Director General Imtiaz Haider

In his address, Director General Imtiaz Haider said Hakim Mohammed Said was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and service to humanity. His unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare continues to inspire us to this day, he added. He said Hamdard University and its management is proud to award degrees to 273 graduates, representing various fields of study. Among them, 63 graduates from Faculty of Management Science, 83 from FEST, 116 from FOP, 11 from FSSH. This breakup includes 216 Undergraduates, 53 graduates, 4 post graduates. Besides, Dr Iqbal Nasri was honored with the Best Faculty Award 2023 and Dr Asghar Khan was honored with the Best Researcher Award 2023. Four students of Hamdard University were honored with the Gold Medals. He said it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of both our students and faculty that we have reached this milestone.

Each graduate has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their respective fields, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements today. DG further said that the Hamdard University is catering to the educational pursuits of thousands of students from all over the country. At present, we have around 3000 students enrolled in five faculties from all over the country, he said. He further said that the Growth of HUIC is evident when we look at three faculties in 2019 to now five fully functional faculties with incredible increase in the number of students. Two new faculties FEM and DPT are training and educating the students to give their best for humanity as per Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said mission, he said and added that the programs options in different faculties have been increased since 2019. From few options to now around 40 different disciplines are being offered in five faculties, he concluded. The ceremony was attended by students, graduates, faculty members, and representatives of the academia and industry.

 For more details Contact

Dr. Hannan Adeel

Convener Media

HUIC

Cell: 0331-5029517

Tel: 051-8840000-5144

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)