Celebrating freedom: August 14 a day to remember freedom movement says UAF VC

UAF holds special events to mark Independence Day.

FAISALABAD: August 14 is a day to remember the sacrifices rendered by our forefathers, under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to attain freedom from the British Raj, said the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan on Thursday.

He was addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Iqbal Auditorium.

“It is our duty now to work for the progress of our homeland. The message of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-i-Azam must be spread among the people,” he said.

He urged students to become good citizens. “Education is necessary for the country’s uplift. We have to promote education at all levels,” he said.

He said that the UAF had given recommendations for the government’s vision 2025. “Last year, 116 new faculty members were inducted and 179 support staff regularised in service or promoted,” he said.

“For the first time in its history, the UAF has developed a comprehensive action plan for the next 15 years. It is based on achieving a sustainable agriculture sector,” the VC said.

He said that 18,000 students would be enrolled in the university this year, while the number would increase to 30,000 students by 2030. “Twelve UAF students were sent to Turkey under the student exchange programmes this year. Fourteen students of engineering faculty are going to Malaysia soon,” he said.

The VC said that 50 new degree programmes had been started at the university. “The UAF offers 160 degree programmes, all of those are according to international standards,” Prof Khan said.

He said that country lagged far behind major agricultural economies in adopting modern agricultural practices. “It is important to increase the productivity to ensure the food security for our increasing population. The country is importing edible oils, cereals, milk powder, tea and wheat. This adds to our import bill,” he said. Public Relations and Publications Principal Officer Prof Dr Jalal Arif urged the students and staff to take all steps to find solutions to the challenges facing the agriculture sector. “Food security is a major issue facing Pakistan,” he said.

The UAF held several special events to celebrate the Independence Day. The day began with special prayers for the progress of the country at the Jamia Masjid at 8am.

Later, the students of UAF-run Laboratory School System and Day Care Centre performed on patriotic songs.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th,2014.