LAHORE: The University of Punjab administration and hundreds of students faced disappointment at the 120^thConvocation when no government high-up or dignitary attended the ceremony. The convocation was held at Faisal Auditorium New Campus on Saturday.

Governor Sardar Latif Khosa, who is also the Chancellor of the university, was to preside over the convocation, but he did not show up.

University officials said the governor had cited “other engagements” as the reason for not showing up. Some officials, on the condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that the governor was not happy as a number of his requests had not been entertained by the university.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Education Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman had their own engagements as PML-N had a rally in Gujranwala today, the officials said.

Faculty members and the students who received degrees complained about the attitudes of the high-ups, saying they were treating the university as it was a step-institute.

“Punjab University is the largest university in Punjab and the third largest university in the country, and nobody from the government side has shown up at its annual convocation. This is injustice,” said a senior faculty member.

“Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani had specially attended the convocation of Aitchison College, but the governor on his part does not even have time for the university from which the prime minister earned his master’s degree.”

At the convocation, 885 students were awarded degrees and 137 position holders were given gold medals.

Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran, Registrar Professor Dr Muhammad Akhtar, Controller Examinations Professor Dr Liaqat Ali, all Deans of faculties, principles of colleges, Directors of Institutes and Department heads were present.

A total number of 180 Undergraduates, 318 Masters, 258 MPhils and 129 PhD students were given degrees, while 60 medals were awarded to undergraduates and 77 to Masters students.

Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran expressed hope that degree holders would do their best for the betterment of country and serve in their respective fields.

via, express tribune