Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman chairs special convocation organized by UAF to confer an honorary doctorate degree on former Korean Ambassador Dr. Song Jong-Hwan

Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman presided over a special convocation organized by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad at the Governor House Lahore to confer an honorary doctorate degree on former Korean Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Song Jong-Hwan. In the special convocation, Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligur Rehman along with caretaker Provincial Education Minister Mansoor Qadir, Chairman Higher Education Commission Mukhtar Ahmed, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, and UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan awarded the honorary degree to former Korean Ambassador Dr. Song Jong-Hwan. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman congratulated the former Korean ambassador on the honorary doctorate degree and appreciated the efforts of the former Korean ambassador in the field of agriculture, rural development and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. He also appreciated the key role played by the Korean Ambassador in strengthening the relations between Pakistan and Korea. Governor Punjab said that quality education is the top priority of the government, and all possible efforts are being made to align it with international standards. He said that agriculture is the backbone of the country economy. The Governor Punjab said that it is an era of knowledge based economy. He stressed on use of technology and new research to increase agricultural production. Governor Punjab said the the teachers should pay special attention to the character building of students along with education. Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that Pakistan was badly affected due to climate change. He said that floods in Pakistan were caused by climate change, which caused massive loss of lives and property. Governor Punjab said that University of Agriculture Faisalabad's collaboration with international universities and institutions is a hallmark development. He said that it will not only establish effective linkages for knowledge and research, but also provide an opportunity to learn new technologies in the field of agriculture. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the University was making progress in increasing per acre production and to ensure the food security. He said that being the first ever agriculture institution had played a pivotal role in the agriculture uplift of the country. He said that Dr. Song Jong-Hwan delivered series of lectures on the Saemaul Undong and its outcome for escape from rural poverty in Pakistan. Dr. Song Jong-Hwan said that South Korea New Village Movement Model became a global model for poverty eradication. South Korea is working with 92 villages in 20 developing countries in the name of Global New Village Movement projects. I am convinced the New Village Movement would be very beneficial for Pakistan. Although the South Korea is supporting New Village Trainings through exchange visits. KOICA and KOPIA are stationed in Pakistan are important connections between two countries. Some projects are planned under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund including Pak Korea Value Addition Center and Technology part at UAF Dean Sciences Dr Asghar Bajwa , UAF Controller Examinations Inam Qadir, Registrar Tariq Mehmood Gill, Principal Officer Public Relations and Publications Dr Jalal Arif and other notables attended.