ISLAMABAD:25 December: As many as 793 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines in eighth convocation ceremony of Bahria University at Jinnah Convention Center (JCC) on Saturday. Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila presided was the chief guest on the occasion.

The students were awarded 17 gold and 15 silver medals as recognition of their remarkable achievement in their academic programs.

On the occasion, the CNS said being citizens of developing country, they needed to go for a long way to meet international standards of education and to groom their students to understand the diversity of the global environment. However, literates must understand their role as responsible citizens who can participate effectively in formal and informal events of the society, he maintained.

He further said that the varsities created and imparted knowledge, which today supplants land, labour and capital. “Knowledge about research, latest technologies and contribution to these sectors can help Pakistan to move forward,” he said, adding, their reliance on the developed countries for advanced technologies adversely affected economy.

Felicitating the graduating students, the CNS expressed his deep admiration for strenuous hard work put in by to stand successful.

He also remarked that the students had quality education and grooming at university that always helped them to withstand professional challenges in future.

The CNS appreciated the role and efforts of the university in seeking links with foreign universities to bring about improvements needed in teaching and learning standards. He advised all concerned to emulate the best available to produce qualified graduates, fit enough to compete confidently in domestic and international job markets.