After a two-year-long wait, University of Peshawar’s Class of 2010 finally had its graduation ceremony on Tuesday.
The convocation had been cancelled all this time because security problems did not permit chancellors and government officials to make it to the event.
While some students proudly showed off their gold medals, others were worried that it may be the last time they see their friends. “I have seen my friends after two years. I do not know when I will be able to spend time with them again,” said a fresh graduate Muhammad Zulfiqar.
Rahimzada, hailing from Swat, was among the 32 distinction holders. Brimming with happiness, he said his two brothers worked abroad to support his education.
Around 481 graduates were conferred degrees by the chief guest, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Barrister Syed Masood Kausar.
A gold medalist from Environmental Science, Mehwish, left her wise words for her juniors: “For all those who want to succeed, I suggest that you work hard and make books your best friends.”
There was more good news to follow. UoP Vice-Chancellor Dr Qibla Ayaz said that three new departments in the varsity were in the final stages and the subjects will be launched in the next academic year. These include the Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, Department of Criminology and the Department of Health and Physical Education.
He added that several researches and collaboration programmes with Korean, Iranian and Afghan universities are also underway.
The VC further said that seats have been allocated for students from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, while Afghan students will be given admission on a rate equivalent to Pakistani students.
In his speech, Governor Kausar thanked the military and law enforcement agencies for their “unprecedented sacrifices in protecting this country.” Addressing the students, he said that it was now time for the youth to deliver.
“We want the Pakistan dreamt of by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Bacha Khan. A country of tolerance and freedom,” he said.
He added that a student cell will be established at the Governor Secretariat to look after all problems confronting university students.
Proud parents of medal winners attended the ceremony upon special invitations. Vice-chancellors of Khyber Medical University, University of Engineering and Technology and Malakand University were also seen in the convocation hall.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 28th, 2012.
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