LAHORE - The Government College University (GCU), Lahore—one of the oldest seats of higher learning in Pakistan—has completed 158 years of its academic excellence. Founded on January 1, 1864 with the first batch of nine students in the Haveli of Raja Dhian Singh in the Walled City Lahore as the Liberal Arts and Science College, it served as a nourishing stream to the generations of talented men and women.
A grand ceremony was held at the University’s amphitheatre where Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi cut the 159th Founders’ Day cake along with the academic and administrative heads. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Zaidi said: “We enter 2022 with a renewed pledge to further improve our education and research standards and the achievements of the past year offered us a momentum to show our true potential.” Talking about the achievements of past year, he said, “I have so much pleasure in saying that 2021 has been the most exceptional year for GCU, and I am grateful to my faculty and staff, but above all to my students who have been very helpful in implementing all those measures that made it possible to declare this year, the most exceptional year.” He said that last year, GCU started academic activities at the new campus, established Allama Iqbal Law School, Institute of History, and Mass Communication Department. The vice chancellor said they ensured 100 percent admissions on merit, and announced the winners of sports trials on spot in grounds to ensure transparency. “We also worked on empowerment of female students via the newly established Women Development Centre, upgraded day-care centre and offered admissions to female students on sports basis for the first time,” he added. Prof Zaidi said that GCU got development projects, worth Rs1.84 billion from the Punjab government and federal government in 2021, which included swimming pool, girls’ hostel and Abu Al-Hasan Ash-Shadhili Research Center on Sufism, Science and Technology. The vice chancellor also shared memories of hosting Pakistan’s biggest summit of students’ societies in 2021, besides talking about the establishment of new and vibrant student societies. He thanked all faculty members and administrative officials for their hard work for the development of the university and provision of quality education to students at the prestigious GCU.
