LAHORE: Up to 1,761 graduates were awarded degrees at the 14th convocation of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) on Thursday.

Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman presided over the convocation while Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson Prof Dr Shahid Munir, Chinese Consul General in Lahore Zhao Shiren and Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad were present.

Up to 63 position-holders were awarded medals and of the graduate students, 60 were PhD scholars, 623 MPhil, 222 DVMs, 706 BS (Hons), 82 Pharm-D, one doctor of nutrition and dietetics, eight MBA (executive) and 59 BBA (Hons).

Mr Rehman said he was happy at UVAS obtaining a drug manufacturing license and its registration from Drap for foot and mouth vaccine production, which he said would uplift the livestock sector in the country.

He emphasized the potential of thelivestock sector and the keyrole UVAS is playing in ensuring food security and poverty reduction.

He also advised students to thank their parents and teachersfor their untiring efforts for their education.

He said it was encouraging to see that the majority of position-winning students were girls, who are proving their mettle in diverse fields, including livestock.

VC Ahmad said the UVAS stood among the top 801-1,000 universities of the world and 3rd in Punjab public sector in the Time Higher Education World University Rankings. UVAS got the 7th position among public sector universities of Pakistan in the Higher Education Commission National Sports Ranking.

Prof Nasim also highlighted that UVAS is a research-intensive university and is currently executing 79 research projects worth over Rs 1,027 million.

He mentioned that two faculty members of UVAS have been awarded national patents while UVAS filed 10 more for approval.

He also spoke about the ongoing development projects of about Rs 6 billion sponsored by the HEC and the Punjab government, and recently completed three development projects worth Rs 380 million. UVAS has also initiated two projects worth Rs 228 million from its own resources, which includes a swimming pool and an academicbuilding of Pharmacy.

ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP: The Punjab University in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) organised a three-day 45th All-Pakistan Iqbal Trophy Inter University Women Athletics Championship 2023-24.

Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Sports Director Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal Butt, Additional Director Sports Tahira Saleem, women players and officials participated in the inaugural ceremony.

Mr Mahmood said that sports are very important for physical and mental health and sports activities along with education should be promoted.

He said that the role of women in every sphere of life, including sports, is commendable for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Mr Butt said that athletes from 26 universities across Pakistan are participating in the three-day AllPakistanIqbalTrophyInter-University Women`s Athletics Championship.

The closing ceremony of the threeday 45th All-Pakistan Iqbal Trophy Inter-University Women Athletics Championship 2023-24 will be held on Friday at Punjab Stadium, Lahore, in which PU VC Dr Khalid Mahmood will be chief guest.