RAWALPINDI: As many as 1,450 graduates of the Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) received their degrees during the university’s 22nd convocation held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Friday.

Punjab Governor and Chancellor of FJWU, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, was the chief guest, while a large number of students and their parents attended the ceremony.

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed was also present on the occasion.

During the convocation, 1,203 undergraduate students, 214 MPhil scholars, 32 PhD recipients and one Master’s graduate received their degrees.

In recognition of academic excellence, 44 gold medals and 23 silver medals were awarded.

In a rare moment, a mother-daughter duo—Dr Hina Gul and Nimra Yasmeen—received their PhD and BS degrees, respectively, symbolising FJWU’s enduring mission of intergenerational empowerment through education.

Addressing the gathering, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, resilience, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological world, while drawing inspiration from exemplary women in Islamic and Pakistani history.

He remarked, “Under the leadership of Field Marshal General Hafiz Syed Asim Munir, we have crushed the enemy. Pakistan’s prestige has increased worldwide by defeating India. The four-day war with India has enhanced the value of the green passport.” He added that Pakistan’s peaceful diplomacy is being appreciated globally, calling it a great diplomatic success. “India is suffering from isolation, while Pakistan’s soft image has improved in the world,” he said.

The governor highlighted that FHWU holds the distinction of being the first university for women in Pakistan.

“A handsome budget has been allocated for FJWU’s research initiatives, and as a result, our students are performing exceptionally well,” he added.

FJWU Vice Chancellor Professor Bushra Mirza highlighted the university’s progress over the past year. She said the university currently offers nearly 90 degree programmes across six faculties and 29 departments, serving more than 8,000 students.

The academic community is supported by 163 faculty members, including 108 with PhDs.

“With over 24,000 graduates making their mark across various sectors worldwide, the university continues to strengthen its global presence. To further elevate academic standards and foster international collaboration, FJWU is actively engaging adjunct professors from reputed foreign universities,” she said.

Dr Mirza also shared key academic and research achievements, including the accreditation of BS programmes in computer science and environmental sciences.

Faculty members published 278 research papers in HEC-recognised journals and participated in 172 academic events nationally and internationally, she said. The university also introduced 14 new degree programmes in emerging fields.

She noted that FJWU’s Business Incubation Centre—rated in the X-Category by HEC—supported over 50 student-led startups and hosted major events such as International Women Entrepreneurship Day 2024 and the Entrepreneurship Fair 2025.

“With Rs24 million in funding, the centre facilitated student participation in bootcamps, and pitch competitions, and enabled them to secure seed funding from USAID and HEC’s Youth Innovation Award,” she added.

Dr Mirza also mentioned that the university strengthened partnerships through 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions including the US Embassy, University of Essex, First Women Bank, NIC Islamabad, RCCI, and PGJDC.

“These collaborations promote research, curriculum development, and student mobility.”

In her concluding remarks, she applauded the collective efforts of students, faculty, alumni, and parents, affirming that the graduates’ success reflects a shared vision of excellence and empowerment.

She emphasised that their academic achievements must now translate into leadership, responsibility, and service.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2025