Peshawar University: At last the long awaited convocation

Twice postponed convocation finally held.

PESHAWAR: Thursday was not only a long awaited but a big day for the students of Peshawar University when the twice postponed convocation of the university was at last held in the convocation hall awarding degrees to more than 650 boys and girls in their colourful graduation costumes complete with flair hats. Vice-chancellor of the University of Peshawar, Dr Azmat Hayat Khan, awarded the coveted degrees to the graduates including 36 gold medalists in various disciplines.

Students told the Express Tribune they were anxiously waiting for the day to wear the ceremonial gown and flair hat and pose for the formal photograph.

“It is just like a dream come true. I was awarded my degree after three years and am really delighted to be with my class fellows,” said Riffat Anjum, a Journalism and Mass communication (JMC) graduate.

Most of the students were of the view that the convocation could be made more memorable if Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor had chaired it.

“I don’t have words to explain how much happy I am right now but the thing I will miss is that I wasn’t awarded my degree by the Chancellor of the university, that is the governor of the province”, said Jalal Bayar, a graduate of the Department of Social Anthropology.

The graduates were so excited they almost forgot about the formal convocation lunch. Meeting class mates and discussing future plans was more important for most of them.

Nadia Khan, another JMC graduate, said: “I am meeting my friends after three years and we don’t know when we shall be together again.”

Just after leaving the convocation hall, groups of students were seen posing for group photographs that will always remind them of this memorable day of their lives.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2011.