Convocations: CPEC will usher in era of development, says Mamnoon

Virtual, Foundation universities award degrees

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain said on Wednesday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will usher in an era of development and urged people to support it.

While addressing the 7th convocation of the Virtual University, he said that the multibillion dollar project will make Pakistan a regional economic hub.

The president said that several power projects and roads would be completed under the CPEC.  He said that the materialisation of CPEC would require technical expertise and students should opt for such subjects, which make them prepare according to the market demand.

The president said that negligence in the past bogged down the country and led to inflation, unemployment, load-shedding and militancy.

Mamnoon said that teachers should take the profession as a noble mission to groom younger generations.

He lauded Virtual University for enhancing literacy in far-flung areas through online and distance learning programmes.

Mamnoon mentioned that children of Pakistani expatriates facing problems in getting higher education and the university could play a role by offering distance learning courses.

The president congratulated the graduates while reminding them that they owe everything to the support of their parents and teachers.

FUI awards 257 degrees

The Foundation University Islamabad (FUI) awarded as many as 257 degrees in humanities and liberal arts, engineering, IT, psychology and economics during its convocation held on the university campus on Wednesday.

Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Lt-Gen Muhammad Haroon Aslam was the chief guest. The chief guest also awarded eight gold and seven silver medals, six distinction certificates and 15 certificates of merit among the toppers.

Lt-Gen Aslam said the graduates would now have an opportunity to use knowledge to serve the country.

“This new phase while having many challenges also offers great opportunity to make Pakistan a vibrant and a respectable country amongst the comity of nations,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2016.