CM ADDRESSES CONVOCATION OF FATIMA JINNAH COLLEGE FOR WOMEN

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the way Pakistani youth are showing outstanding performance in different sectors has given him hope and confidence that they will change the destiny of the nation and ensure a dignified status for the country in the comity of nations. He said that girl students will also have to come forward in the practical field for the progress and development of the country. He said that girl students after getting their degrees should prove their mettle in different sectors as it is essential for national progress and prosperity.

He was addressing the 6^th convocation of Government Fatima Jinnah College for Women, Chuna Mandi, here today. Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Advisor on Health Salman Rafique, Members Provincial Assembly, Vice Chancellor Punjab University, Justice (R) Nasira Javed, Secretary Higher Education, college faculty, professors, prominent personalities of various walks of life besides a large number of students and their parents attended the convocation.

The Chief Minister congratulated the students who had won medals and degrees and said the hope and confidence on their faces reflected that the future of the country is very bright.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif addressed the convocation of Government Fatima Jinnah College for Women Chuna Mandi in Urdu and English. Before attending the ceremony, the Chief Minister inspected the building and garden of the college. The Chief Minister while taking notice of the poor condition of the garden and lack of timely repair and construction of some parts of the building directed Provincial Education Minister, Secretary Higher Education and Principal to take immediate measures in this regard.

In his address, the Chief Minister while referring to lack of proper maintenance work said that he and concerned officials of Education Department are answerable to the students of the college.  He said it is a historical building and tourists also come to see it therefore the concerned department should perform its duty of looking after the building in a proper manner. He also read the following verses:-

Tamanna Aabru Ki Hay Agar Gulzar-e-Hasti Main

To Kanton Main Uljh Kar Zindgi Karnay Ki Khu Kar Lay

Nahin Yeh Shan-e-Khuddari Chaman Say Tor Kar Tujh Ko

Koi Dastar Main Rakh Lay Koi Zaib-e-Glu Kar Lay

During the speech when the call for Zohar prayer started, the Chief Minister stopped his address. Before inviting Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to the stage, the Stage Secretary started to make comments in praise of the Chief Minister, he stopped him from doing so. Shahbaz Sharif said that he has appointed a trustworthy secretary as Secretary Higher Education and it is hoped that he will support him in the promotion of higher education. The Chief Minister also took notes while sitting at the stage.