ISLAMABAD: The former students of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), on the basis of exceptional performance in the recent QS World University Ranking 2024, demanded the federal government to declare QAU a ‘flagship institution’.

They also demanded that necessary financial support be provided to overcome more than Rs500 million in annual deficits so that the institution could win more laurels at the regional and international levels.

The demand was made during an important meeting of the core committee of the QAU Alumni Association Founders Group, attended by senior Quaidians under the chairmanship of Dr Abdul Basit.

It was unanimously decided to continue practical efforts and strengthen existing initiatives aimed at the welfare of Quaidians, promoting togetherness, positivity and connectivity among students at the QAU, and pay back the alma mater.

It was further decided to establish Quaidians Commoners Academy under the supervision of Khalid Masood, former principal secretary to the President of Pakistan, to provide guidance to young Quaidians.

Furthermore, it was resolved to strengthen the Blood Donors Forum Pakistan (BDFP), the resumption of Quaidians mentoring and scholarship programmes, the installation of a new water filter system at QAU hostels, and other social welfare projects aimed at paying back to the alma mater in practical terms.

The committee congratulated the QAU vice chancellor, the faculty, employees, alumni and students on securing impressive rankings in the QS subject ranking 2024.

The alumni also demanded to establish the Psychological Counseling Center at the QAU campus to provide continuous counseling and help to the QAU students and assured their cooperation in this regard.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2024