Universities being the repositories of knowledge creation are the source of significant contribution to the civil society. Institute of Administrative Sciences (IAS) is one of the most prestigious and forward looking institutes of University of the Punjab offering an array of degree programs ranging from undergraduate to graduate and postgraduate levels. The education it imparts plays a pivotal role in mitigating the challenges of real life by equipping the graduates with best use of acquired knowledge, competencies and behaviors to excel in their chosen professions. Like every year, IAS organized its 7th Institutional Graduation Ceremony on 30th November 2019 to honor its highly competent graduates of the year 2017 from different programs including; Doctor of Philosophy in Management (PhD. Administrative Sciences), Masters of Philosophy (MPhil.) in Management, Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM), Master of Marketing (MMKT), Master of Health Administration (MHA) and BS (4 years) in Management. Ms. Zahra Paul and Mr. Zeeshan Hanif – faculty members at IAS, being the Master of Ceremony, warmly welcomed the worthy guests, graduates and parents at the highly auspicious and memorable occasion of their lives.

The ceremony began with the academic procession marching towards the stage in their academic robes and taking their designated seats. After seeking formal permission of the Controller of Examinations, University of the Punjab – Mr. Muhammad Rauf Nawaz and Incharge Director IAS Dr. Kashif Rathore, the Graduation was announced open. Recitation was made by Muhammad Obaida (BS Management student) and Naat was presented by by Hassaan Shahid (student of MHRM). It was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Kashif Rathore – Incharge Director IAS. He welcomed the graduating scholars, their parents, families, distinguished guests and faculty members. Dr. Kashif Rathore addressed the graduates with some practical advice for their professional and personal lives while stepping into the world-of-work after university life. He advised the graduates to enjoy their success in the course of life to keep oneself motivated yet not letting arrogance and pride to overcome their humility. While talking about sustainable happiness, Dr. Rathore shared the value of service to humanity and its integral role in achieving the immense happiness and satisfaction. Towards the end of his address, he warmly welcomed the graduates to keep returning to their alma mater and keep looking forward with confidence and hope in their lives.

Dr. Kashif Rathore welcomed the worthy Vice Chancellor – Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar upon his arrival during the ceremony and invited him to address the audience. In his speech, worthy Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab – Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar appreciated the graduates of IAS in particular as he happened to interview some of them to become part of the university faculty and administration. He added, It is indeed an honor and pleasure for parents and teachers to develop the graduates and now it is responsibility of every graduate to carve their own path further. He shared his thoughts on the aptitude and attitude of individuals and how the later one matter most as it gives the multiplier effect to the former one. He strongly advised all to update their knowledge and keep one’s moral values high. Prof. Niaz shared the developments of the University and his vision for good governance, academics and research. H encouraged all the faculty members, students and employees to work harder to achieve the collective goal of the university. He shared the achievement of university to enhance its ranking this year to about 5% in international standards. Towards the end, he encouraged all to compete at international level as Punjab University has impeccable potential.

Followed by formal addresses, all the successful graduates were awarded with gold medals, mementos, merit certificates, rolls of honor and degrees. A total of 05 gold medals, 12 shields, 25 merit certificates, 35 rolls of honor and 230 degrees were awarded at the ceremony. To award the degrees and other tokens of appreciation, Worthy Vice Chancellor – Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, Controller Examination -  Mr. Muhammad Rauf Nawaz, Incharge Director IAS - Dr. Kashif Rathore were invited on the stage. Other faculty members who contributed at the ceremony included Dr. A.R. Jafri, Dr. Sobia Khurram, Ms. Aisha Rizwan, Dr. Aamir Saeed, Mr. Tayyeb Ali Khan, Dr. Amani Moazzam Baig, Dr. Ayesha Serfraz, Dr. Yaamina Salman, Dr. Sidra Irfan, Dr. Ali Rehman, Ms. Iman Saleem, Ms. Madiha Waheed Malik, Ms. Umme Farwa Mubasher, Ms. Noor Tariq, Ms. Zulaikha Mehmood and Mr. Hafiz Arslan.  Upon closing of the event, Ms. Zahra Paul and Mr. Zeeshan Hanif thanked the worthy guests to be the part of the auspicious ceremony and appreciated the efforts of Controller Examination PU- Mr. Muhammad Rauf Nawaz for continuous support. They also acknowledged the untiring efforts of Ms. Tashfeen Fatima – Assistant Controller of Examinations at IAS and her hardworking team to conduct yet another successful graduation ceremony. The memorable event closed with group photos of graduates with teachers and parents followed by a networking session at lunch.