GUJRAT — A seminar at Hafiz Hayat Campus of the University of Gujrat (UoG) on Friday has urged the country’s youth to stay positive and reject fake news on social media platforms.
“The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Mariam Nawaz, is pursuing merit-based policies with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and the advancement of higher education. This commitment is reflected in substantial funding allocated to universities across the province,” General (retd) Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Health and Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Health Task Force, shared these views as chief guest at the seminar.
Presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Zahoor Ul Haq, recipient of the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, the seminar — titled ‘From Bunyan-um-Marsoos towards a Bright Future: Responsibilities of the New Generation’ — aimed to foster patriotism and civic responsibility among students.
Dr Kayani described students as custodians of the nation’s future. Drawing parallels between strategic planning and the recent military successes against India, he urged students to remain positive, focused and sincere in their career pursuits. He likened the nation to a “solid wall” standing firm against aggression.
He praised the responsible conduct of Pakistan’s military, political leadership, and media during recent tensions, noting that the country’s defense capabilities had been underestimated by adversaries.
“When war is imposed,” he said, “confronting the enemy with courage is the hallmark of a true believer. Martyrdom is the pinnacle of both worldly and spiritual achievement.”
Dr Kayani also cautioned students against misinformation and propaganda on social media, encouraging them to rely on verified news sources. He commended UoG’s academic standards and expressed delight at the high number of female students, noting that women often demonstrate exceptional commitment and dynamism in professional fields.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Zahoor Ul Haq emphasized that the true purpose of education is to raise questions and seek solutions. “Success,” he said, “is a continuous journey of determination and conviction.” He thanked the Punjab government for a grant of Rs720 million this year, which enabled the university to allocate Rs250 million in scholarships for deserving and talented students. He also highlighted the potential of student-led startups to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
The seminar was moderated by Dr Fazil Ashraf Qaisrani from the Department of Political Science.
Earlier, Dr Kayani met with Prof. Dr Zahoor Ul Haq to discuss matters of mutual interest. He toured the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Fine Arts, showing keen interest in students’ innovative artworks and visited a student art exhibition. At the Centre for Media and Communication Studies (CMCS), he toured the TV studio newsroom and recorded a brief television interview.
The event was attended by deans of various faculties, senior academics, administrative officials and a large number of students.