MURREE, Sept 23: Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has stressed the need for instilling enlightenment in the students through balanced education to meet the modern era challenges.
The minister was speaking as chief guest at a function held at Lawrence College, Ghora Gali, Murree, one of the country's oldest and prestigious institutions to celebrate its 144th annual Founder's Day on Thursday.
Mr Sherpao referred to the steps, the government was taking for the promotion of education in the country. In this context, he referred to the 'enlightened moderation' as envisioned by President Gen Pervez Musharraf.
The minister said, "we must demonstrate to the world through our actions and behaviours that we are a modern, progressive and pious people". The balanced education, Mr Sherpao said, could help us achieve these goals. He called upon the students to benefit from the conducive and ideal environment prevailing in the college.
The minister appreciated the commitment and personal involvement of the college Principal, Air Commodore (retd) Farooq H. Kiyani, and the teachers for focusing on the multidimensional development of the students' personalities and raising the education standards in the institution in accordance with the changing demands of the present era and aspirations of the parents.
Besides, Maj-Gen Khalid Nawaz Khan, Chairman Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, a large number of parents, old Gallians, and guests attended the function.
The interior minister, who is also an old Gallian, shed light on the history of Lawrence College and lauded its role in the nation building. He referred to the sacrifices the Gallians rendered in the armed forces for the defence of the country, in particular, and their role in civil services, engineering and a number of other fields, in general.
The chief guest said that at present there were four federal ministers who are old Gallians. The chief guest appreciated the spectacular show put up by the young Gallians on the occasion.
March past, gymnastics show, PT show by the Junior School, somersault through the ring of fire were some of the salient features of the function. As a part of the celebrations a colourful variety programme was presented by the students of all the three schools. It included English and Urdu plays, skits, tableau and songs in connection with the founder's day celebrations.
The principal, Air Cdre (Retd) Farooq H. Kiyani, in his annual report highlighted the achievements of the college during the year 2003-04, and said that the college had achieved the best results in academics.
He referred to Ali Umair, one of the students of Lawrence College who stood first in the SSC part-I examination of the Rawalpindi Board. He also said that the brilliant students of the college had produced maximum A and B grades in the O level examination of the Cambridge University.
The principal reaffirmed his commitment that he would do his best to further improve the college results. He threw light on the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of the college in the field of games, sports, dramatics and debates.
