Lahore, 12 Oct 2023: In a commendable academic advancement, the Punjab University Hailey College of Commerce (HCC) has been bestowed the RDAI Certificate Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), positioning itself as the first public sector institute to gain such a distinction, as stated in the University of the Punjab’s press release. Graduates of the BS Accounting and Finance program will now notably receive exemptions for nine CA papers, marking a significant stride in facilitating an expedited journey through their chartered accounting qualifications. The award, a result of the collective efforts and strategic development of the BS Accounting and Finance program by several of HCC’s principals and faculty members, establishes a new chapter in the institute’s history and elevates its academic stature.
This achievement can be traced back to the dedicated endeavours of ex-Principal Prof Dr Hassan Mobeen Alam, who spearheaded the development of the BS Accounting and Finance program. Subsequent principals, including Prof Dr Zulfqar Ahmad, who launched the degree, and the current administration under HCC Principal Dr Hafiz Zafar Ahmad, have steadily elevated the program’s value. Notably, Prof Salaih Muhammad (ICAP member and HCC faculty member) and Librarian Asif Ali, the focal person for course mapping, received particular acknowledgment for their pivotal role in achieving this acknowledgment from ICAP.
The award ceremony, hosted by HCC and ICAP at Al Raazi Hall, saw the participation of esteemed personalities such as PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood and President of ICAP Ali Latif, alongside Principal HCC Prof Dr Zafar Ahmad, Dr Hassan Mobeen Alam, Dr Zulfqar Ahmad, faculty members, and students. During the ceremony, voices of acknowledgment and appreciation resonated as the persistent efforts of HCC’s principals, faculty, and staff were recognized for augmenting the value of the degree programs and the college.
Ali Latif extended his congratulations to the faculty and students of HCC, also reminiscing about the college’s illustrious history and the numerous chartered accountants in the nation who are proud HCC alumni. Dr Zafar Ahmad, expressing his gratitude towards all contributors and presenting souvenirs to the dignitaries, emphasized the college’s resolve to enhance its degree programs further. He underscored a staunch commitment to align additional degree programs with ICAP, collaborate with more professional bodies, and perpetually uplift the degree programs offered by HCC.
Dr Zafar Ahmad articulated that the RDAI Certificate Award from ICAP symbolizes HCC’s commitment to academic excellence and its trailblazing efforts in accounting and finance education. He highlighted how this achievement unlocks new opportunities for HCC students, granting BS Accounting and Finance program graduates a substantial leverage in their accounting careers due to the nine paper exemptions in the CA program offered by ICAP.