LAHORE: (Thursday, July 23, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali has emphasized that academic institutions must play an active role in community development by equipping grassroots leaders and social workers with modern managerial and leadership skills. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the second batch of the Certificate Course on “NGO Management and Leadership”, organized by the PU Department of Social Work in collaboration with the Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department, Punjab and Community World Service Asia (CWSA). The ceremony was attended by Chairperson Department of Social Work Dr. Tahira Jabeen, Prof. Dr. Uzma Ashiq, Dr. Aliya Khalid, Dr. Muhammad Arshad Abbasi, faculty members, academicians, government officials, development sector professionals, and representatives of civil society organizations. In his address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali commended the tri-partite initiative, describing it as a model of effective collaboration among academia, government, and the development sector. He said such partnerships are essential for producing competent professionals capable of addressing contemporary social challenges and strengthening community institutions. Dr. Tahira Jabeen highlighted the achievements of the programme's first batch and expressed confidence that the second cohort would further enhance the technical, managerial, and strategic capacities of NGO professionals, enabling them to respond more effectively to emerging socio-economic challenges. A representative of Community World Service Asia underscored the pivotal role of civil society organizations in promoting grassroots development across Pakistan. Highlighting the international best practices incorporated into the curriculum, the representative reaffirmed CWSA's commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, strategic leadership, and professional development within the non-profit sector. Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department, Punjab's representative highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting institutional partnerships aimed at advancing social development and humanitarian welfare. Prof. Dr. Uzma Ashiq presented an overview of the department’s progress and major achievements over the past three years. She thanked the Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali for his continuous guidance, encouragement, and support, which, she said, had enabled the department to attain new milestones of academic and professional excellence.