A new beginning: 504 students awarded degrees at Ziauddin University's 15th convocation

Speakers encourage students to do their best, be true to their profession

KARACHI: Ziauddin University awarded 504 degrees to its graduating students of different disciplines and 10 gold medals to outstanding students at its 15th convocation held at the Expo Centre on Wednesday.

Recipients of Sir Ziauddin Ahmed Academic Excellence gold medals were dental surgery student Sana Zainab, bio-medical student Seemen Nadir Shah, media studies students Talha Khan Tareen and Syed Faras Haroon Kirmani, medical technology students Kiran Nooruddin and Sumana Binte Shahid, genetics student Mohammad Hasnain Sheikh, physical therapy student Nisa Momin, MBBS student Aena Saeed and Pharm D student Sidra Munawar.

This year, the varsity awarded an honourary doctorate to Sardar Muhammad Yasin Malik for his exemplary and unparalleled services for social outreach and unfailing support to Ziauddin University. Meanwhile, a PhD in pharmacy was awarded for the first time by any university in Pakistan. The recipient was Dr Mirza Tasawer Baig.

Governor Mohammad Zubair, the chief guest, emphasised the importance of high-quality education and applauded the entire graduating batch, appreciating the efforts of their parents in ensuring a safe and secure future for their children.



He said the late Dr Sir Ziauddin Ahmed's role, struggle, determination and contribution to the field of education and societal development can never be forgotten. He invited the faculty members, top students and their parents to Governor House next week to appreciate and acknowledge the success of the graduates.

It is our responsibility to make the country a better place to live and make it economically, politically and socially strong, the governor told graduates.

Ziauddin University Chancellor Dr Asim Hussain advised the graduates not to forget the role of their teachers in making them what they are today. "You owe them [your teachers] the utmost respect. You owe your parents not only for your upbringing, but the hard work and sacrifices they made to get you a good education," he said.

"Don't work hard; work smart. Constantly remain aware and knowledgeable of all the changes that take place globally," said Dr Asim, who told students that implementing this philosophy in life will make them tremendously successful.

Currently, Pakistan is passing through an extremely critical period both economically and politically and it is the need of the hour to contribute to bring drastic development by restructuring the entire social structure of society with weapons of education, collectivism and unity, Dr Asim believed.



Earlier, Ziauddin University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui said that the varsity provides an excellent learning environment, updated and advanced form of learning resources and unequivocal learner support via contemporary learning methodologies. He said the varsity is in the phase of expansion and will be establishing two more campuses soon - one in Islamabad and the other in Sukkur.

The varsity's faculty of pharmacy is the only institute in Pakistan recognised by the International Pharmaceutical Federation and has been given membership, he added.

The VC congratulated the graduates and said, "Your accomplishment should be a source of pride not only to you, but also to your university and the country. You all should be enthusiastically ready to serve humanity in the best possible way."