05 November 2004	Friday	21 Ramazan 1425

PESHAWAR, Nov 4: University of Peshawar's Vice-Chancellor Mumtaz Gul has advised students to take keen interest in their studies.

He was speaking as chief guest at an intra-campus Naat competition held here on Thursday at the Khyber Union Hall of Islamia College. Students of various departments, colleges and schools of the university participated in the contest.

Sadaf Syed of the Philosophy department took first position while Mahwish of Fine Arts and Nasir Jamal of IMS were declared second and third, respectively.

The VC said that co-curricular activities played a pivotal role in an individual's development and enlightenment and such activities should be encouraged.

He asked students to focus on their education but not to ignore other aspects of personality enrichment.

Mumtaz Gul said the life in this world "is a real test" for the life hereafter, which is eternal. "One should keep that life in view and struggle to achieve moral and spiritual accomplishments."

He said the glitter of this world "should not blind us" to the reality of religion and "we should act steadfastly according to the teachings of Islam".

He advised students to recite the Holy Quran daily and try to understand its message and practise it in their daily lives.

He said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a symbol of peace and love and was mercy and 'Rahma' for the mankind. People should learn from his practices and follow his teachings.

The VC lauded the role of Islamia College and hoped that it would further excel in days to come.

Principal of the college Ajmal Khan said that co-curricular activities played a key role in a student's personality development and the college would focus on this area as well as on academics.

In February 2005, the college will hold an All Pakistan Khyber Union Declamation Contest.

Abaseen Yousafzai, Bakht Zaman and Alamgir Khan also spoke.