Lahore, December 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual life. For bridging the gap between students belonging to different cultures and for promoting intercultural harmony, the University of Lahore (UOL) celebrated culture day. This event hosted international students studying at different universities throughout the Punjab.
This colourful mega event also expressed strong solidarity with the people of Palestine and the participants reiterated their continuous support and commitment for the cause of Palestinian. Dr. Shahid Munir (Chairperson of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC)) graced the occasion as the chief guest, which was arranged by the Office of Students Affairs (OSA).
The UOL hosts students from 21 different countries around the world. The UOL’s all-inclusive international students from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Gambia, Syria, Jordan, Gilgit Baltistan and different cultural communities from Pakistan showcased their cultural uniqueness during the event. The performance of foreign and Pakistani students was also commendable in the ceremony.
Mr. Awais Raoof (Chairman BoG, UOL), Mr. Mian Imran Masood (Former education minister and Chairman, Chief Minister Task Force on Education), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (Rector, UOL), Mrs Ammara Awais (Director, OSA, UOL), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Wajid (Vice Chancellor, University of Okara), H.E. Jaffar Ronas (Cultural Attaché, Cultural Centre-Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran), Dr. Amir Gillani (Pro-Rector, Allied Health Sciences), delegates from Malaysian and Indonesian universities as well as more than 400 international students from different private and government universities participated in this cultural gala.
The festival was started with the opening remarks of Mrs. Awais who welcomed the international delegation, guests and the participants. She said that hosting international students is a proud moment for the university. She added that the strength of foreign students is increasing day by day due to the opportunities being provided to them for promoting their cultures with higher education.
Global challenges require unity in diversity – PHEC chairperson
Dr. Munir stated at the festival that the world is facing various challenges, one of which is the growing income inequality between the world’s richest and poorest, claiming that the poorest half of the global population owns only 2% of the global total while the richest 10% owns 76% of all wealth.
“This unequal distribution of wealth and wide disparities between and within countries should be ended. Among the major challenges the world is also facing, is the increasing population that is likely to reach 12 billion by the end of the century,” he added.
The PHEC chairperson also highlighted that climate change is expected to affect every country in the world, but its impact will not be felt equally across all regions. However, earthquakes and floods are happening in Pakistan, and the links between climate change and poverty are clear. He further said that unemployment is also the main cause of poverty in the world because most of the countries are living below the poverty line.
He announced that the Punjab government is setting a new curriculum on the level of international standard with the assistance of vice chancellors from various universities across the country and the PHEC is also trying to bring international students to our universities.
“We need to upgrade our information and defence technology to compete with the world. However, 15 universities of Pakistan have been included in the Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking and the UOL is playing an excellent role in the promotion of higher education,” he added.
UOL applauded for hosting voluminous international students
Addressing the international students, Mr. Masood said that the purpose of today’s event is to express solidarity with Palestine and Kashmir. “More than 400 foreign students studying in the UOL is also beneficial for Pakistan.
Palestine and Kashmir are very close to our hearts. Pakistan has good relations with Iran, China, Afghanistan, and other countries, and development is not possible in any country without the promotion of education. The PHEC is introducing new programmes for universities, which will enable every student to access higher education,” he added.
On the occasion, Mr. Raoof said that the UOL has been striving to bring foreign students to Pakistan for the last ten years and now more than 400 foreign students from various countries are studying at UOL.
“Due to the similarities of religion and culture with Afghanistan, Iran and other countries, they can send their students to Pakistan. The UOL has a prominent place from other universities due to its teaching excellence, research work and publication.”
While talking to the participants, Dr. Ashraf said that the UOL is continuously determined to increase the number of international students. He admired the Punjab Higher Education Commission for playing a historic role in improving higher education and bringing foreign students to Pakistan.
“Foreign students studying in the UOL are our ambassadors, and we provide hundreds of scholarships to foreign students.” At the end of the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Governors presented souvenirs to the special guests.
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk