OKARA, March 23: A weeklong scout rally of Lahore region attended by 1,500 students of 110 high and middle schools concluded on Friday. The rally was held at the Government Higher Secondary School to promote co-curricular activities among students, the main purpose of the scout movement in the world.

Government High School of Baghbanpura headmaster Anwar Ali Mujahid, assistant leader trainer, told Dawn that the purpose of the scout rally was to promote the skills of students to face future challenges with courage.

The scouts in the supervision of their headmasters worked to fulfil their timed activities like cooking, first aid and campfire.

Special classes were also held for the students to compensate their study loss.

District Scout Rally Secretary Muhammad Mumtaz Bhatty said that the arrangements of the rally were made on self-help basis. The campfire was supervised by Government Middle School of 5/4-L teacher Arif Iqbal.

A qualified scout was entitled to a half extra number for admission to professional institutions and the late president Ziaul Haq increased it from a 1/2 number to two marks. Even for the competitive examinations, qualified scouts are entitled to be given extra two marks in the final merit.

District Coordination Officer Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam Kamboh gave away prizes to outstanding scouts. Ihtisham Siraj, a class 9 student, was appreciated for his model of hydraulic system.