University of Lahore Holds First Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Gala for International Students

Thirty-six graduates from eight nations — spanning PhD, postgraduate, and undergraduate programmes — were honored in a landmark celebration of academic achievement and cross-cultural friendship.

The University of Lahore (UOL) on Friday hosted its first-ever Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Gala for international students, celebrating 36 graduates from PhD, postgraduate and undergraduate programmes who traveled to Pakistan from Uganda, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Gambia and other countries to pursue higher education.

The ceremony opened with an academic procession, followed by the playing of seven national anthems representing the countries of the graduating class — a moment organizers said embodied the university’s growing role as a bridge between nations and faiths. High-achieving students were also honored with medals for their academic performance.

The event was attended by Chairman of the Board of Governors Awais Raoof, Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Dean of the Office of Students Affairs Ammara Awais, embassy representatives, deans, faculty members and students.

Dr. Abdul Rehman Al Salehi of the Yemen Embassy and Dr. Asghar Masoudi of Khana-e-Farhang-e-Iran attended as guests of honour, while Prof. Dr. Iqbal Chaudhry served as chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Dean of the Office of Students Affairs Ammara Awais highlighted the cultural diversity represented among the graduating students, noting that the university now hosts the highest number of international students among universities in Pakistan.

Chairman Awais Raoof said UOL graduates were now spread across the world, forming a growing community of international alumni. He credited the university’s Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), deans and faculty members for contributing to the institution’s improving ranking and reputation.

Chief guest Prof. Dr. Iqbal Chaudhry said universities should go beyond providing academic qualifications and should serve as spaces where ideas are nurtured and cultural diversity is appreciated. A university, he said, should be “a place where we nurture ideas, appreciate the diversity of culture and develop an inclusive view of looking at the world,” stressing that vision and dedication lie behind every successful institution.

The ceremony marked an important milestone for UOL’s international student community, celebrating the achievements of graduates from diverse cultural and national backgrounds. The university said the event also reaffirmed its position as a major destination for international students in Pakistan and underscored education’s role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and lasting international ties.