KARACHI, March 22: 45 candidates studying at Pakistani schools were presented the World Class Achievers’ Awards by the British Council for performing tremendously in “O” and “A” levels (GCE) examinations 2001 at a ceremony here on Friday.

34 candidates performed outstandingly in the Cambridge International examinations, whereas 11 high achievers of Edexcel International examinations were presented High Achievers’ Awards.

Speaking on the occasion, IBA director Dr Javed Ashraf, while praising the Pakistani students, said their performances in international examinations revealed that they belonged to a talented and hardworking nation.

“Pakistani students, especially girls, are playing an important role in leading organizations all over the world as the world is a witness to their talent and performance,” he said.

He lauded the role of the British Council in paving the way for promoting education.

Dr Fred Burke from the Cambridge University said education was not just reading and revising in the days of exams, but it involved development of the personality and improving intellectual abilities.

“Better and quality education helps the knowledge seekers develop their personalities and improve the intellectual abilities which help them during the course of their lives in a peaceful and organized manner,” he said.

He said the role of teachers was pivotal in obtaining better grades for their pupils as they played the role of a guide for them. Without the help of teachers, he said, achieving high grades or showing out-of-turn performances seemed hardly impossible.

Dr Burke also praised the role of the British Council for promoting the cause of education in Pakistan and said that with its concentration on education, local students would achieve more distinctions in the world.

Later awards were presented to the High Achievers Award winners.

Director of the British Council, Charlie Walker, and director of examinations services also spoke on the occasion.—PPI