PU IQTM Holds First Convocation, Degrees and Medals Awarded to Graduates

By Dr Ansab Ali, Lahore
LAHORE: The Punjab University Institute of Quality and Technology Management (IQTM) held its first convocation in a graceful ceremony, where degrees, gold medals, and certificates of distinction were awarded to graduates of various academic programs.
The ceremony was attended by Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor Punjab University Dr. Muhammad Ali, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Agriculture Ahmad Umer, Director IQTM Dr. Usman Awan, Director IIEM Dr. Muhammad Shafiq, along with senior faculty members, deans, students, and their parents.
Addressing the convocation, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar expressed satisfaction over the remarkable growth of the institute, stating that its foundation was initially laid “from a single room.” He noted that the PC-I of the institute was approved in 2005, followed by the establishment of its building, and in 2020 it was elevated to the status of a full-fledged faculty.
He said IQTM is playing a significant role in improving industrial quality, managerial efficiency, and technological advancement in Pakistan. He added that its graduates are performing exceptionally well across various sectors due to industry-aligned curricula.
Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar emphasized that universities are not merely degree-awarding institutions but are responsible for generating new knowledge, promoting practical application, and instilling professional skills and ethics among students. He highlighted that HEC is offering thousands of scholarships, including 10,000 for China and 400 for Hungary, along with promoting skill-based short courses to enhance youth employability.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali congratulated the graduates and their parents, stating that the convocation marked the beginning of a new phase of responsibility and professional life. He said the University of the Punjab has produced outstanding scholars and professionals serving globally.
He termed Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar the “architect” of IQTM and noted that the institute has emerged as a unique academic model due to his visionary leadership. He added that IQTM graduates are in high demand due to their blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Dr. Muhammad Ali also encouraged female graduates to actively utilize their education in professional life, stressing that women’s empowerment is closely linked to economic independence. He urged students to use their knowledge for social service, national development, and personal excellence.
Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Agriculture Ahmad Umer advised students to adopt innovative thinking and develop solution-oriented approaches. He urged them to focus on solving emerging challenges rather than merely highlighting problems, and acknowledged the role of parents in students’ success.
Earlier, Director IQTM Dr. Usman Awan highlighted that Punjab University was the first institution in Pakistan to introduce academic programs in Quality and Technology Management. He said IQTM is strengthening industry-academia linkages and producing graduates capable of serving key industries.
He added that the university’s new research policy has enabled faculty to commercialize research and contribute more effectively to national development. He also noted that Ahmad Umer had served Punjab University as a teacher for ten years, and the university takes pride in his current national role.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, degrees, gold medals, and certificates were distributed among successful graduates amid applause, while parents expressed pride and joy over their children’s achievements.