LAHORE: (Saturday, September 17, 2011): Punjab University Institute of Education & Research (IER) organized “Golden Jubilee Postgraduate Students Conference 2011,” in connection with golden jubilee celebration of the Institute, here in the Waheed Shahed Hall of the Institute. The theme of the conference was “Rethinking Education for Pakistan in 21st Century.” Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran was the chief guest while Director IER Prof Dr Mumtaz Akhtar, Organizing Secretary Prof Dr Liaqat Ali Akbar, faculty members and a large number of students were also present on the occasion.

Stressing the need to encourage PhD researchers, VC Dr Mujahid Kamran said the value of PhD students should be understood. PhD scholars are the real power of creation of new knowledge. Creators of new knowledge are the hope under present circumstances. He asked the PhD scholars not to underestimate themselves. He also urged the supervisors to encourage their students because most of the great scientists, who earned a great repute throughout the world, were encouraged by somebody at early stages. Dr Mujahid Kamran congratulated Dr Mumtaz Akhtar for organizing this conference, involving students only. He said the education was the only way to find respect amongst the comity of nations, and education was a must for uplifting the nation. He said the experience of getting through PhD enhanced your personality and polished your faculties. He said 750 verses of Holy Quran urged the human beings to focus on the creation of universe. The Vice-Chancellor said the Muslims had been facing a lot of problems due to their collective deeds and the Prophets had also taught us the same thing. He said the education was a must to get the nation out of backwardness and poverty and there must be continuous policies and targets. He urged the leadership to realize the fact and allocated a hefty budget for education. Earlier, Director Institute Prof Dr Mumtaz Akhtar said it was the responsibility of researchers to create new knowledge and the conference would be a great chance for PhD students to work in their respective departments. Organizing Secretary of the conference Prof Dr Rafaqat Ali Akbar also addressed the audience.