LAHORE: (Wednesday, October 28, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali said that the role of universities is becoming increasingly important in the modern era as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make inroads into every sphere of life. He was addressing a graduation ceremony organized by the Punjab University Hailey College of Commerce here on Wednesday. On this occasion, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Mahmood Saleem, Dean Faculty Commerce Prof Dr. Hafiz Zafar Ahmed, Principal HCC Prof Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed, Registrar Dr. Ahmed Islam, faculty members, students, and their parents were present.

In his address, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali said that the use of AI is growing rapidly in science, commerce, healthcare, and other fields. He emphasized the need to learn and understand this technology, while stressing that artificial intelligence can never replace natural human intelligence. He also urged people to use digital media responsibly and cautiously, advising them not to forward any post without first verifying its authenticity. Congratulating the graduating students, their parents, and their teachers, he said that parents find true peace of mind in their children's success, which comes not through wealth or power but through knowledge and piety. Advising the students, he encouraged them to become good human beings in their professional lives and to care for others. Prof Dr. Hafiz Zafar Ahmed said that obtaining a degree was not the final destination but rather the beginning of practical life. He noted that graduates would face numerous opportunities and challenges, which would require hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He urged students to always remember the sacrifices their parents had made for their success. Prof Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed said that the ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of students, recognized their hard work and dedication, and marked the beginning of a new journey toward success in their professional lives. He revealed that more than 13,000 candidates had applied for admission to various programs at HCC this year, setting a new record. He also paid tribute to the students who received degrees and medals. During the ceremony, degrees were awarded to more than 800 students from various sessions of the BS programs in Commerce, E-Commerce, Accounting and Finance, and Accounting and Taxation, as well as the M.Com, M.Phil and PhD programs. In addition, 10 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 10 bronze medals were presented to recognize outstanding academic performance.