Inauguration Ceremony of Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) Chiniot Campus – Another Step Towards Making Chiniot the Educational Oxford of Pakistan
The inauguration ceremony of GCUF Chiniot Campus was held today with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, as the chief guest.
The event was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of GCUF Dr. Rauf Azam, MPAs Maulana Ilyas Chinioti and Taimur Amjad Lali, prominent figures of the Sheikh community, faculty members, students, civil society representatives, and a large number of citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Ahsan Iqbal stated that the Chiniot Campus is not just an educational institution but the beginning of social and economic progress in the region. He mentioned that this project is part of Vision 2025, which aims to ensure access to higher education in every district of the country. He emphasized that no country can progress until education is linked with industry. He further added that the government's goal is to increase Pakistan’s exports from $32 billion to $100 billion to lead the country toward self-reliance.
Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh expressed that the GCUF Chiniot Campus had been his long-standing dream, which has now materialized. He said the campus, built at a cost of Rs. 2 billion, guarantees a bright future for the youth of Chiniot. He also announced the provision of a bus for the campus from his side to facilitate student transportation.
Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that no nation can develop without education and that the establishment of this campus is a manifestation of the government's commitment to education. He informed that over 400,000 students have already received scholarships, and more opportunities will be provided to ensure education reaches every segment of society.
Vice Chancellor GCUF Dr. Rauf Azam stated that the Chiniot Campus, constructed at a cost of Rs. 2 billion, is a blessing for local students. He said that students would no longer need to travel to major cities for higher education. He also shared that modern academic programs aligned with the demands of the present era would soon be launched at the campus.
In his address, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the youth no longer need to rely on poultry or eggs but must acquire digital skills. He said the government is distributing laptops to equip the youth with expertise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. He added that the government is providing not just promises or slogans, but real skills to empower young people towards self-sufficiency.
The ceremony also included references to national defense and the professional excellence of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Ahsan Iqbal and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh stated that the Pakistan Army has proven to the world that wars are won not by numbers but by capabilities. They praised the Pakistan Air Force for downing enemy Rafale jets as an example of national strength and morale.
The event concluded with renewed commitments to national development, educational advancement, and a brighter future for the youth. GCUF Chiniot Campus now stands as a beacon of hope not only for Chiniot but for the entire region, guiding future generations towards knowledge, skill, and self-reliance.
