KARACHI, Dec 18: As many as 299 graduates were conferred master's and bachelor's degrees on students of Business Administration and Computer Science at the 7th convocation of the Institute of Business Management on Saturday.

The Sindh Governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad, who presided over the convocation, held on the campus, also gave away gold medals to outstanding students. An honorary degree of Master of Philosophy in Advertising was also conferred this year on S. H. Hashmi, in recognition of his outstanding services and administrative excellence in the field of advertising.

The passing-out students were attired in convocation gowns with a border based on the Sindhi 'Ajrak', and its geometric and floral designs printed in the radiant hues of crimson. Senior educationists, economists, industrialists, marketing and business personalities were also present.

In his address, the governor said the objective of business education was to provide potential impetus to the development perspective trough knowledge and know-how about contemporary business techniques and practices in a highly competitive yet interdependent market.

Referring to the cosmopolitan nature of Karachi city, Dr Ibad said the mounting population and its subsequent problems imposed severe strains on the existing infrastructure, including educational facilities. As such, the government expected the private sector to support institutions of academic excellence, he remarked.

He pointed out that the IBM could prove to be instrumental in teaching, research and consultancy in urban planning, environment, management and development as well.

Holding aptitude-oriented and career-focused education important for the present society, he also stressed the need for education beyond textbooks.

Mr Hameed Haroon delivered the key-note address at the convocation. He discussed the role of graduates and challenges ahead of them. He urged them to work for eliminating conflicts and uncertainty from society.

He said that graduates had been dreaming about their future and changes in their society and country.

It was their turn to deliver, he said, believing there was something special about those, who had a good vision about society.

"Every successive generation in the country has failed to ensure people their basic rights, and to stand up against social inequalities and evils. But, we today, look at you not as prospects of failure, rather as prospects of hope, which keeps a society running," he added.

In his welcome address, the president of IBM, Shajehan S Karim, said the institute started with 98 students in 1995 at its College of Business Management, adding that at present it had over 2,000 students, specializing in diverse disciplines, at its four constituent units.

In all, 120 graduates of three batches of Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons), and 114 students of three batches of MBA were given degrees at the convocation. Some 50 graduates of three batches of Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) programme, eight of BBA (4 years) programme, six of Master of Computer Science and one of BS (Accounting) programme were also awarded degrees.

Graduates, who were awarded gold medals, sponsored by individuals or corporate groups, for securing the highest grade points average, included: Alishba Hassan Jan (BBA), Sumaiya Karim (BBA), Sanah Arshad (BCS), Khuldoon Pervez (MBA Marketing), Kinan Junejo (MBA Regular), Lubna Shazi (MBA Health), Faiza Naz (MBA Finance) and Faizan Jamal (MBA Executive).

Those given certificates of merit included: Usman Majeed and Ayesha Amin Barinuddin of BBA (4 years); Mohammad Noman Ilyas, Rahil Rafiq, Nadia Ali Naqvi, Ayesha Tariq, Sana Rehman, Salman Abdullah Gora, Nazish Ehsan, Sanober Minoo Sethna, and Maria Shabbir Aamir of BBA (Hons); Kiran Saleem Rathod, Aisha Arif Saya, Sana Saad and Mina Tariq of BCS; Farah Ishtiaq and Razia Nasruddin of MBA.