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RAWALPINDI, Jan 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Culture and National Heritage Aurangzeb Khan Khichi announced on Tuesday that the historic Government Graduate College Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi, has been declared as national heritage, with a formal ceremony to be held by the end of February to officially notify the status.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of the Students’ Council at the college, the minister said the college is not merely a building of concretes, but a living symbol of knowledge, consciousness, character-building and national history.
He extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly sworn-in council members, describing their oath as the beginning of a journey of responsibility, integrity, leadership, and service to the nation.
“The real purpose of education is not just acquiring degrees, but character building, which shapes the destiny of nations,” he stressed.
Highlighting the college’s century-old legacy, the minister observed that Government Graduate College Asghar Mall has produced generations of intellectuals who have significantly contributed to Pakistan’s intellectual, educational and administrative framework. “The corridors of this college breathe history, and its walls bear witness to teachers and students who made knowledge a form of work and discipline”, he added.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi praised the college administration and faculty for their silent yet pivotal role in nurturing future leaders. He addressed the students, calling the young boys the hope and the young girsl the confidence of the nation.
“You are our pride, and the future is in your hands”, he said.
Recalling Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s advice to students during the Pakistan Movement, the minister urged them to focus on completing their education with dedication and to play their role in serving the country.
Dismissing negative propaganda about brain drain, he encouraged students that if opportunities arise abroad, they should represent Pakistan proudly as ambassadors.
“We have thich youth population here, exploit the opportunities in abroad and become pride of Pakistan”, he said.
The minister also highlighted that Pakistan is seen with a different lense in international fronts after the historic victory of the armed forces during Muaarka e Haq against aggression in May last year.
“Pakistan’s global respect has increased significantly, and the world now seeks our representatives,” he remarked, crediting the armed forces and national efforts.
The minister also announced that the college would sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions under his ministry, including the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Lok Virsa, and Pakistan Academy of Letters.
“This collaboration will provide students free access to stages, halls, and facilities for cultural and artistic expression”, he announced.
Earlier, Principal Tanveer Ahmad Abbass Khichi and Students’ Council Head Prof Dr Shazia Nazir also addressed the ceremony.
Director General, Archaeology Department, Irfanullah, ED Lok Versa Dr Waqas Saleem also attended the event as guests of honour.
A large number of students, teachers and college administration attended the event.