BAHAWALPUR: Punjab Governor and Chancellor Sardar Salim Haider distributed degrees among 3,248 graduating students at the fourth convocation of Government Sadiq College Women University (GSCWU), Bahawalpur, held here on Friday night.

He also awarded 63 gold medals, 62 silver medals and three PhD degrees to students from the graduating batches of 2018 to 2024.

Addressing the convocation, the governor urged the graduates to serve Pakistan and south Punjab with dedication and selflessness, saying that the responsibility of building a prosperous future for the country rested on their shoulders. He said the university was playing a significant role in promoting higher education among women in south Punjab.

The chancellor paid rich tribute to the late Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi IV for his contributions to education and welfare, as well as for facilitating the accession of the former Bahawalpur State to Pakistan in 1947. Referring to the Nawab’s death anniversary, observed on May 24, he said the establishment of the former women’s college, later upgraded to a university, reflected the Nawab’s vision for women’s education.

He highlighted the Nawab’s role in establishing several prominent educational and public welfare institutions in the erstwhile Bahawalpur State, adding that his services and sacrifices would be remembered in Pakistan’s history. He expressed confidence that the talented young women graduating from the university would contribute to the progress and development of south Punjab and the country.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shazia Anjum highlighted the university’s achievements in providing quality education, promoting research, and expanding academic facilities. She said modern laboratories and digital learning resources had been established to equip students with contemporary knowledge and skills.

She added that the university was playing a pivotal role in empowering women through higher education and preparing them to compete at national and international levels. The VC also outlined various development initiatives aimed at transforming GSCWU into a leading international institution dedicated to women’s education.

WASTE REMOVAL: Divisional Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia on Saturday inaugurated a waste management awareness camp at Fowara Chowk to educate and encourage the public to actively participate in the three-day Eidul Azha cleanliness operation.

The commissioner, accompanied by Bahawalpur Waste Management Company Chief Executive Officer Naeem Akhtar and Assistant Commissioner Khizer Razaq Manj, distributed shopping bags, water bottles and other sanitation-related items among citizens and sanitary workers.

Meanwhile, Suthra Punjab Agency (SPA) Managing Director Qasim Gill told Dawn that all preparations had been completed for the district-wide Eidul Azha sanitation operation across the five tehsils of Bahawalpur.

He said a special plan had been devised for the collection and disposal of sacrificial animal offal and waste during the three days of Eid. Under the plan, 103 collection points and 79 disposal sites have been established across the district.

Mr Gill said all identified sanitation hotspots had been cleared, while special cleanliness drives had been carried out at mosques, Eidgahs, playgrounds and open spaces where Eid prayers would be offered.

More than 3,000 sanitation workers will participate in the operation, supported by 1,276 containers and 724 vehicles to ensure uninterrupted waste collection and disposal during the Eid holidays.

He added that 87 union council-level sanitation camps would be set up to assist residents in the timely removal of sacrificial waste from designated locations.

ACCIDENT: A manand his son were killed in a road accident near Pull Canal in the Machiwal area of Vehari district on Saturday.

According to Rescue 1122, Abdul Razaq and his son, Hammad, were travelling on a motorcycle when a speeding car hit them.

Both suffered critical injuries and were shifted to a nearby hospital by rescue teams. However, they succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

Machiwal police reached the scene, took the car driver into custody and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026