Lahore, The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS) at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) received a significant endorsement from His Excellency Consul General Zhao Shiren, who pledged steadfast support for the Centre’s initiatives. The commitment was voiced during the Chinese Lantern Festival on February 26, 2024, an event that brought together foreign dignitaries, members of the Chinese community, and the LUMS faculty and students.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the Festival, held at LUMS, was more than a cultural celebration, marking a step forward in academic and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. His Excellency Consul General Zhao Shiren assured the gathering of support for academic research, advocacy efforts, and cultural events spearheaded by CCLS.
Dr. Sikandar Ahmad Shah, Director of CCLS, welcomed the attendees and extended Lunar New Year greetings, setting the stage for an evening of reflection and collaboration. His Excellency Ambassador Syed Hassan Raza, Adjunct Faculty CCLS, shared his personal insights into the deep-rooted connections with China.
The ceremony was marked by a symbolic tree planting by Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, and His Excellency Consul General Zhao Shiren, representing the durable partnership between LUMS and the Consulate General of China in Lahore. The tree stands as a testament to their united front in educational and cultural endeavors.
A highlight of the Festival was the cake-cutting ceremony, where notable figures such as Ms. Ho Yuk Bing, Principal Chinese International Academy and Deputy Secretary General Chinese Overseas Association, and Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman, Director of the Confucius Institute, joined in the celebrations.
The Chinese Lantern Festival at LUMS not only showcased the vibrancy of cultural exchange but also solidified CCLS’s role in promoting a deeper understanding of Chinese legal studies, language, and culture within Pakistan. LUMS expressed its appreciation to the LUMS Cultural Society for their support in organizing the successful event.
Lahore, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore marked its 20th Annual Sports Day with grandeur at the City Campus Sports Ground, featuring a wide array of sports contests that showcased the athletic prowess of students from various campuses. The event, organized by the UVAS Sports Directorate, saw significant participation and was graced by prominent figures from the sports and academic communities.
According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the sports day was inaugurated by Muhammad Masoud Anwar, Secretary of Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab, and Prof Dr. Muhammad Ijaz, UVAS Chairman Sports Board. The prize distribution ceremony was honored with the presence of former hockey player and Olympian gold medalist Prof Dr. Tariq Aziz Khawaja as the chief guest, alongside other distinguished guests including former Captain of Pakistan Hockey Team Mr. Shahbaz Ahmed Senior and former UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Nasim Ahmad.
The event highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting sports and physical education among its students, with participation from all UVAS campuses including the City Campus Lahore, Ravi Campus Pattoki, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Jhang, and Khan Bahadar Choudhry Mushtaq Ahmed College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Narowal. The contests ranged from track events to team sports, culminating in a vibrant display of talent and sportsmanship.
During the inaugural ceremony, Secretary Livestock Muhammad Masoud Anwar announced a substantial investment of Rs 200 million from the Livestock Department for the development of a squash court and astro turf for athletics at UVAS. He emphasized the importance of sports for mental and physical health and commended UVAS students for their achievements in sports at national and international levels.
The closing remarks by the guests of honor underscored the value of sports in character building, self-confidence, and personality grooming. They praised the efforts of the UVAS Sports Board in organizing such an extensive sports event and encouraged further enhancement of sports activities within educational institutions to nurture hidden talent.
The announcement of the establishment of a state-of-the-art wrestling academy and a swimming pool and Resource Center with the financial assistance of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) marked a significant step towards boosting sports facilities at UVAS. Prof Dr. Muhammad Ijaz, in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to all participants, guests, and organizers for making the sports day a success.
The sports day concluded with the distribution of trophies, medals, and awards to the outstanding athletes and teams, highlighting the achievements and dedication of UVAS students in various sports disciplines. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also set the stage for future developments in sports infrastructure and training at the university.