KARACHI, Dec 15: As many as 135 girls were awarded bachelor's and master's degrees at the 8th Convocation of the Defence Authority College for Women held on Wednesday.

The Sindh Minister for Education and Literacy, Dr Hamida Khuhro, was the chief guest at the function, while the Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim, conferred degrees on the graduating students.

Congratulating the graduating students, Dr Hamida, said the basic essence of education was to create enlightenment and refinement of the mind, and make a good human being. She asked the graduates to make best use of knowledge and wisdom acquired in order to contribute as a productive member of society.

Dr Hamida reiterated the government's resolve to pursue the policy of promoting quality education at all levels in the province, and turn Pakistan into an enlightened, moderate and progressive state.

Earlier, the Principal of the college, Dr Tayyaba Mamoon, in the college's annual report said education programmes had been specifically designed to achieve the highest standards of academic integrity, and were aimed at developing the well-rounded personality of students.

The KU VC later conferred degrees on the graduating students. As many as 25 students got degrees in MA Economics, 56 got B.Com degrees, 15 received BSc degrees, and 64 students were given BA degrees. Outstanding students were also given gold medals. -APP