LAHORE: (Friday, September 25, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has said that PU has historically served as a major hub of knowledge, scholarship, research, and professional development. He was addressing a meet-and-greet gathering which was organized by Vice Chancellor University of Kotli, University of Poonch and former VC of University of Okara Prof Dr Muhammad Zakria Zakar, to congratulate Prof Dr Rubeena Zakar on her appointment as Dean, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences (FBSS), PU. On this occasion, serving and former Vice Chancellors of public and private sector universities, deans of various faculties, senior faculty members, distinguished academicians, and others were present. In his address, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali congratulated Prof Dr Rubeena Zakar on her appointment as Dean Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and highlighted the significant contribution of PU to higher education and research in Pakistan. He noted that a large number of scholars and professionals trained at PU have gone on to serve universities and institutions across the country and have made valuable contributions to higher education, research, public service, and professional fields. He also appreciated the presence of senior academicians and university leaders at the gathering, describing such informal interactions as valuable opportunities for sharing experiences and strengthening the wider academic community. Prof Dr Muhammad Zakria Zakar welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the importance of creating spaces where academic leaders can interact beyond formal meetings and institutional settings. He said that informal gatherings provide opportunities for candid conversations, exchange of ideas, reflection on shared experiences, and development of meaningful academic and professional networks. Prof Dr Rubeena Zakar expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellors, Deans, academicians, and distinguished guests for joining the gathering and for their warm wishes on her appointment. She said that leadership in higher education is a collective responsibility and expressed her commitment to working collaboratively with faculty members, researchers, students, and academic leadership to further strengthen the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences. She emphasized that universities are not only centers of teaching and degree awarding but also important spaces for intellectual engagement, critical thinking, research, dialogue, and the generation of knowledge. She expressed the hope that such interactions would continue to provide opportunities for academic leaders to learn from one another and develop collaborative initiatives across institutions. The event provided an informal yet intellectually engaging platform for academic leaders to come together, share experiences, exchange views, and strengthen professional and collegial relationships. The gathering also served as an opportunity to welcome newly appointed academic leaders and to acknowledge and pay tribute to colleagues who had completed their terms of office after serving their respective institutions.