The 7th Convocation of Karakoram International University was held at KIU main campus Gilgit on 6th May, 2017. President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain, who is the Chancellor of the University, nominated Mir Ghazenfer Ali khan, Governor Gilgit-Baltistan to preside over the Convocation. The Convocation started around 11 A.M and it looked all crimson and blue as the graduates seated in the convocation gowns.
The Governor awarded more than 70 Gold and Silver medals to the high performing graduates. The graduates finished their studies in the fields of Social Sciences & Humanities, Life and Natural Sciences. Beside that Governor and Vice Chancellor awarded degrees to 1378 graduates upon successfully completing their under- graduate and graduate programs.
The Governor congratulated the graduates and, with that, reminded them of the greater role that a graduate caries on his shoulders.
On the Occasion he said that “I extend my heartfelt congratulation to all the graduates at this happy occasion and I hope you realize the profound role upon your shoulders to ignite the spirit of peace, prosperity and constructiveness”.
“You are the one who can become the agents of change for a better future and you are the one to build your society” Governor added.
He single out the young men and women who graduated that ‘They had been fortunate to be part of an institution with such commitment to excellence”.
He urged the students to play a role to end racism, sectarianism and discriminatory practices in the society.
Governor further added that “the Federal government has noted the increasing pressure on the Karakoram University as growing population pursuit of higher education across GB are major drivers changing the education, social and political landscape of our region for the better”.
“The government is also aware of the problem faced by the students coming from the various parts of this sparsely populated region, the needs for the residence, hostels, and related matters.”Governor added.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan also congratulated the graduates. He expressed his optimism that KIU students, for sure, be responsible citizens and future leaders. He said that “the University is striving to provide quality education to the students at their door-steps despite considerable challenges”.
He said that “the University is set in a dramatic background of steep mountains at the confluence of the Gilgit and Hunza rivers”.
Dr. Asif Khan further added that “The KIU has the potential to forge a convergence point in order to establish a knowledge society for Central Asia, East Asia and South Asia”.
He said that “in future GB will play a pivotal position in the context of revival of “New Silk route” and provide a viable economic corridor for the entire region”.
VC added that “the KIU has a crucial role in preparing the youth of GB region to embrace potential opportunities arising out from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) both in term of skilled human resources but also responsible citizens”.
He further said that “steps are being taken to expand scope of programs in order to accommodate maximum career options”.
The VC told that the University is in the process of establishing campus in other districts of GB quite soon.
Flag Bearer of the Convocation was Mr. Shahid Ali Director General (Coordination), who leads the procession and entered to the well decorated Shamiana. Mr. Muhammad Zafar Shakir Assistant Professor Department of Modern Languages was conducted the ceremony in professional way. Thousand of guest including graduates, their parents, faculty and staff were present on the occasion.
