PESHAWAR: The first convocation of the Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) was held on Monday at the Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, which was presided over by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra as the chancellor. The governor was accompanied by Khyber Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hafizullah, Rehman Medical College Principal Prof Dr Tariq Mufti and the KMU registrar. As many as 116 graduates of the MBBS, bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) and BS medical laboratory technology (MLT) were conferred upon degrees, while position holders were awarded gold medals. Principal Prof Dr Tariq Mufti, presenting the progress report, highlighted the landmark efforts and outcomes of the institution. He said that the Rehman Medical College, with its lead role in initiating an integrated curriculum, could train its students to become exemplary doctors “who are not only competent but also compassionate to patient and their attendants”. He said that the institution had published 35 research papers in high note journals. After distributing degrees, prizes and medals among the graduates, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra congratulated all graduates and their parents for the efforts they had put in to produce doctors of excellence “that shall promote healthcare in the country”. He said that the Rehman Medical Institute and College was one of the finest institutions established with a vision of excellence, which “has created a positive image of the country”. He said he had visited many universities and found Pakistani students possessing excellent skills and abilities that could be used for the betterment of the country. The governor said that trustworthiness, honesty, integrity and loyalty were the only principles that would “upgrade us as a nation”. The chancellor said that the government at federal and provincial levels had introduced both short- and long-term reforms in the education system and various projects were introduced for making youth entrepreneurs and empowering them.