Seminar

The University of Sargodha organised a seminar titled “Role of the Youth in Nation-Building in Pakistan” to highlight the importance of character building, education and civic responsibility in empowering young people to contribute to national development. The seminar was jointly organised by the Department of History and the Department of Political Science.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat (H.I., S.I., T.I.) was among the key speakers at the seminar, which was attended by Dean Faculty of Sciences Prof. Dr. Amir Ali, Director of Student Affairs Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hassan, Chairperson Department of Political Science Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi, Chairperson Department of History Dr. Abrar Zahoor, Chairperson Department of Sociology and Criminology Dr. Shahzad Khawar Mushtaq, Assistant Professor Dr. Muhammad Azam, faculty members and students.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Taswar Hayat said youth development depended on character building, mutual cooperation and hard work. He stressed that national progress required collective responsibility and said the university was working to promote an interactive and inclusive environment to support young people’s development.

Prof. Dr. Amir Ali highlighted the contribution of young people at critical moments in Pakistan’s history, saying their role in difficult circumstances could not be overlooked.

Dr. Shahzad Khawar Mushtaq said nation-building began with education and training, adding that the principles of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal offered guidance to young people. He said rights and responsibilities are interconnected and that national development required turning ideas into action through initiative and cooperation.

Dr. Abrar Zahoor said young people constituted a major segment of Pakistan’s population, with the median age standing at 21 and 64 per cent of the population comprising youth. He stressed the importance of education, professional skills, global exposure, accountability and cooperation between generations.

Dr. Muhammad Azam said nation-building also required positive social change and a shift in collective attitudes.

The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session on youth participation in national development.