KARACHI, May 5: About 600 graduates of Bachelor and Master programmes were conferred degrees in various disciplines at the 4th convocation of Jinnah University for Women (JUW) here on Wednesday.

The Governor Sindh, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, who is also the patron of the university, presided over the convocation, and gave away shields and gold medals to outstanding students of 2003.

A maximum of 198 degrees, including 68 for BA (Honours) and 130 for MA, were awarded in different subjects to students of the Arts faculty, followed by 187 Science faculty students, including 83 for BSc (honours) and 104 for MSc. Other degrees awarded were for BCom, MBA, BCS, BS(CS), BEd and MEd programmes.

Congratulating the graduates, the governor pointed out to them that they were now persons with broadened vision and higher intellect and needed to play a vital role in sorting out the issues which the country faced.

He said that functioning of true democracy and restoration of a true image of religion were among many sectors to be addressed.Graduates must lead the nation and come up with innovative approaches to help restore the perceptions about religion, he added.

He assured the university management of his support in solving space problem in the expansion of the university. He also announced cash awards for graduates who secured gold medals at the convocation, and Rs 50000 for a disabled student.

In her address of welcome, the Chancellor of the University, Prof Noor-us-Saba Chugthai, highlighted the role of female education in national development. She also lauded the role of Moulvi Riazuddin Ahmed, the founder of the university, for the cause of education, particularly female education.

She also urged the governor to order for the return of all the nationalized educational institutions of Anjuman-i-Islamia Trust to it on a priority basis. She remarked that girls should come out of their cultural environment and contribute actively for the betterment and uplift of the society in all spheres of life.

In his convocation address, the Vice-Chancellor of Jinnah University, Dr Riaz Ahmad Hashmi, said the main emphasis at JUW was to provide quality education to young girls who were willing and able to respond to the challenge of the times.

He mentioned that enrolment at the university, which was around 166 in its first year had now increased to 3000 students in nineteen different departments. Those who were awarded Moulvi Riazuddin Ahmad Gold Medal for outstanding achievements were:

Sarwat Kiran (BA Hons), Soomera Ziauddin (BCom), Nadia Noor Hasan (BSc Hons), Nargis Ayoub (BS Computer Science), Shumaila Bhutto (B ed), Naureen Talib (MA), Faiza Naz (MA), Heena Ali Akbar (MBA), Tahira Kundi (MEd), Darakhshan (MSc).

A graduate of the MSc (Biochemistry) examination 2003 was awarded Khushal Khan Khattak gold medal for securing first class first position.