Pakistan needs tolerant, forbearing attitudes: Marriyum Aurangzeb

 Iqra University convocation

390 graduates receive degrees, 43 awarded gold medals

Islamabad: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday said that there was a considerable decrease in terrorism incidents compared to the previous years as a result of measures taken by the government.

She was addressing the 4th Convocation of the Iqra University at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. The 2017 degree awarding ceremony of university’s Islamabad Campus saw some 390 students receiving their degrees and 43 gold medals. The ceremony honoured graduates across all academic programmes, ranging from Bachelors, Masters as well as PhD in the various disciplines offered at IUIC including Fashion and Textile Design, Media Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences and Development Studies, Management Sciences, Computer Sciences and Electronic Engineering.

The minister said she was excited to witness this rite of passage, to watch a new generation of graduates entering the market and contributing to making Pakistan great, armed with skills and knowledge acquired at university.

Marriyum was especially appreciative of the prominent presence of women graduates and staff at the Iqra University. Graduates had the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements in front of the Iqra University high-ups, honoured guests, professors, Iqra staff, media, classmates, and family members. Ms Aania Naim was the valedictorian at the ceremony.

The minister said the war against terrorism was being fought as a challenge. She said the nation was very resilient to eradicate the menace. She said that democracy was being strengthened, adding that Pakistan needs tolerant and forbearing attitudes. She added that perhaps any country had fought the war on terrorism the way it was being fought by Pakistan. The minister said every cowardly act of terrorism imbues new spirit of unity among the people. Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government was making special arrangements to celebrate this year’s independence day.

She urged the students to cling to the norms of a civilized people and demonstrate tolerance and respect in their practical lives. She said the government has launched a number of schemes for the benefit of youth She said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is creating numerous job opportunities in different fields and urged the graduating students to take benefit of these opportunities On the occasion the minister distributed degrees and medals among the students and congratulated them and their parents and teachers.

She urged the students to cling to the norms of a civilized people and demonstrate tolerance and respect in their practical lives She particularly commended the large number of female students for showing excellent performance and said it was the vision of the incumbent government to empower women and bridge the gender gulf in different fields of education and professional careers.