Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, has said that the youth are the nation’s bright future and that education rooted in research and innovation is essential for sustainable development. He emphasized that concrete measures are being taken to promote education aligned with modern technologies, while the Senate remains committed to supporting education, innovation, skill development, and creating dignified opportunities for young people to progress and excel.
He expressed these views while addressing the Graduation Ceremony held at University of Lahore as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by deans, directors, faculty members, teachers, students, and a large number of distinguished guests.
Chairman Senate said that it was a matter of great pleasure and honor for him to participate in the graduation ceremony of the University of Lahore. Congratulating the graduating students and award recipients, he remarked that the day was not merely about degrees and medals, but a celebration of years of hard work, sacrifice, patience, and hope finally bearing fruit.
He stated that behind every successful student stands a family that firmly believed education could transform lives. “This achievement belongs not only to the students but equally to their families,” he said, while also paying tribute to the teachers and faculty members whose dedication and guidance played a pivotal role in shaping young minds.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani noted that the University of Lahore has earned a distinguished position among Pakistan’s higher education institutions. Through partnerships with international institutions, the university has introduced world-class education in Pakistan and opened new avenues of opportunity for the youth, particularly by focusing on future-oriented disciplines.
He observed that the world around us is changing at an extraordinary pace, with artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, quantum computing, robotics, and other emerging technologies transforming economies, healthcare systems, industries, and the nature of work itself.
“In this new era, nations will progress not merely through natural resources or infrastructure, but through knowledge, innovation, and human intellect,” he said, adding that this places a great responsibility upon educational institutions and the younger generation.
The Chairman Senate emphasized that universities must evolve into centers of excellence and technology incubators capable of meeting both national and international standards. He stressed the need to equip students not only with professional competence but also with critical thinking skills, adaptability, and a lifelong passion for learning.
He further said that Pakistan has been blessed with immense talent and potential, and that young people need opportunities, confidence, and a determination to learn. Encouraging graduates to remain curious, resilient, and open to new ideas throughout their lives, he remarked that education is not only a pathway to personal success but also a national responsibility.
Addressing the students directly, he urged them to carry integrity, compassion, humility, and respect for others wherever life may lead them. “Your generation represents the hopes and aspirations of Pakistan,” he added.
Chairman Senate expressed particular satisfaction over the fact that graduates from disciplines such as nursing and healthcare are now securing international employment opportunities, including in countries like Austria. He described this as a matter of pride not only for the institution but for Pakistan as a whole, and proof that Pakistani youth can compete confidently anywhere in the world when provided with quality education and proper guidance.
Highlighting his longstanding commitment to higher education, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister, his government focused on regional institutional development, increasing scholarships for teachers, and approving national policies aimed at building a modern knowledge-based economy.
He stated that in 2009, the government introduced the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, which aimed to position universities at the center of socio-economic development. The policy included increasing higher education funding, promoting university-industry linkages, and establishing technology parks on campuses.
He further noted that initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurship Challenge Program, internship schemes, and increased funding for universities — particularly in underdeveloped areas — were launched to create new opportunities for Pakistani youth.
Referring to his role as Chairperson of COMSATS, he said that significant efforts were made to expand and strengthen the infrastructure of the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, transforming it into a multi-campus university system. He said all these efforts were driven by the firm belief that Pakistan’s greatest asset is an educated, skilled, and determined young generation.
“Now, as Chairman Senate, I continue to move forward with the same commitment and vision,” he stated, assuring the audience that the Senate of Pakistan remains fully dedicated to promoting education, innovation, skill development, and empowering youth with dignified opportunities for advancement.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani congratulated all graduates, parents, faculty members, and the administration of the University of Lahore on the joyous occasion. He also distributed medals and certificates among high-achieving students, while Rector of the University of Lahore, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, presented a souvenir to the Chief Guest.
