SWABI: Senate chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that Pakistan played a critical role in the ceasefire and the inking of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, paving the way for peace in the region.

He stated this while addressing the convocation of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology as the chief guest here on Tuesday.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Senator Usman Saifullah Khan, president of the GIK Institute alumni association Asif Ahmad, Prof Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Rector GIK Institute, Salim Saifullah Khan, president of Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan (Soprest), the institute’s parent body, executive director Shakil Durrani and others were also in attendance.

Mr Gilani conferred degrees on 529 graduates, including six PhD scholars, 50 MS and 473 BS students.

Confers degrees on graduates at GIK Institute’s convocation

He said Pakistan’s role has proven that Islam is a religion of peace, and those who pointed fingers at it were mistaken. “Pakistan is a peaceful country and has nothing to do with terrorism, but in fact, is a victim of terror. Pakistan army and political leaders’ role in combating terrorism is commendable.”

“The global economy is being reshaped by innovation, technology and intellectual capital, and the countries whose youth acquire contemporary education would lead. We must catch up with the new developments in scientific and technological fields,” he said.

In such a rapidly changing world, knowledge has become the most valuable currency, and innovation has become the defining force of national progress and economic prosperity, he said.

The Senate chairman said: “Nations that invest in education, scientific research, technological capability, and human development will shape the future. For Pakistan, this moment presents both a challenge and a historic opportunity.”

He said that Pakistan was blessed with an energetic, intelligent and ambitious youth population, and if provided with quality education, technological opportunities, and an enabling environment, youth can become the driving force behind economic growth, industrial modernisation, digital transformation, and national prosperity.

He said that GIK Institute has earned national and international recognition for producing graduates who have excelled in engineering, research, entrepreneurship, industry, academia, and public service, contributing to Pakistan’s scientific and technological landscape.

Speaking at the convocation, Governor Kundi said he wanted the GIK Institute to open campuses in different districts of the province and train young students in IT and computer science. “We are ready to provide all possible assistance to GIK Institute,” he said.

Salim Saifullah said the institute strove to live up to the commitment and dedication of its founding fathers by strengthening industry-academia linkages.

Prof Khalid said universities are a powerhouse of knowledge and their innovation and breakthroughs in indigenous technology could change the destiny of Pakistan.

The gold medal in graduate programmes in engineering was awarded to Mohammad Arqam Khan, and the gold medal in graduate programmes in sciences to Anis Naveed.

The faculty-based gold medals were awarded to Alishba Raman, Bushra Khan, Ali Faisal, Hussain Ahmad, Umar Tariq, Nouman Ahmed Dar, Raja Mohammad Ali Nazir, Warda Ishfaq, Farwa Jamshed, Hamza Ali, ANS Qasim, Ikram Saleem Khan and Mohammad Musab Ali.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2026