27 February 2005	Sunday	17 Muharram 1426

FAISALABAD, Feb 26: The 13th convocation of the University of Agriculture was held here on Saturday in which 21 research scholars were given the PhD degrees in different fields of agriculture for the year 2001.

The convocation was presided over by Agriculture secretary Fayyaz Bashir on behalf of Chancellor/Governor Khalid Maqbool.

Around 45 students were awarded the M-Phil degree and 809 others were given the Masters degree in different programmes. While 1,671 students received B.Sc (Hons) degrees in Agriculture and other related fields.

At least 24 students were crowned with gold, silver and bronze medals for achievements in their respective fields of education and research.

Speaking on the occasion, the Agriculture secretary said that special efforts were being made for the modernization of existing irrigation system, marketing of crops, agricultural research, supply of certified seeds, use of pesticides and food processing in the country.

He said that a comprehensive agricultural policy was also being evolved to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency in food and edible oils.

Vice-chancellor Dr Bashir Ahmed also addressed to the participants and highlighted the major achievements of his institution.

He claimed that maximum efforts were being made to provide modern education to students and transfer the techniques and know-how to growers.

SHOT DEAD: A girl and her alleged lover were shot dead by her brother on Friday night at Chak 630-GB.

Zafar alias Zafri opened fire on his sister 'N' when she was sitting with her alleged lover Abdul Shakoor. They died on the spot.

Ludhianwala police have registered a case against the absconding accused.

SUICIDE: A Christian youth ended his life by hanging himself with a branch of tree on Saturday in Gokhuwala area in the limits of Nishatabad police station here on Saturday.

Arif Masih (25) had been jobless for the last several years.