LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 26th Apr, 2026) Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that Pakistan was
playing a responsible and proactive role in promoting peace, reconciliation and
dialogue at both the regional and international levels.
He said this while addressing the Old Ravians Association’s annual dinner held at a local hotel.
Gilani stated, “The world is changing rapidly and we must adapt ourselves to new global requirements.”
He said that Pakistan’s mediation efforts for stability in the region, particularly its diplomatic
initiatives to reduce tensions and build mutual trust between Iran and the United States,
were being acknowledged by the international community.
He added that factors such as artificial intelligence, climate change, the digital economy,
and globalization had brought new opportunities and challenges for the youth, for which
modern education and practical guidance were indispensable.
Acting President said: “Government College University Lahore is not merely an educational
institution, but a living monument to excellence.”
Quoting a famous Persian saying, “Har cheh az darya BA darya rasad” (what flows from
the river returns to the river), Gilani remarked, “Tonight, I feel I have come back to my river,
to the corridors that once echoed with our laughter, to the lawns where we dreamed of
changing the world, and to this great institution that shaped not just our careers, but our
very souls.”
He emphasized that he was present not as the Chairman Senate or a former prime minister,
but simply as an Old Ravian. “Let me admit, no title has ever made me prouder,” he said.
“Seeing you all tonight is like opening a cherished album, every face tells a story, every
smile recalls a memory.”
Recalling his student days, he spoke fondly of hostel life, shared cups of tea, and lively
discussions at the legendary Pak Tea House in old Anarkali.
He mentioned the night-long debates on politics, sports, movies, music, culture, and
international affairs, as well as the card games, light banter, and long walks that made
those days unforgettable.
“I am particularly delighted to see my old hostel mates, including our General Secretary
Shahbaz Ahmed Sheikh. Shahbaz, we have come a long way from our days of combined
studies and career planning, haven’t we? Today, we celebrate a bond that has never
broken that is the magic of Ravian brotherhood,” he added.
Gilani noted that for over a century and a half, GCU has produced leaders, thinkers,
poets, and statesmen without ever losing its essence.
He highlighted that several national leaders studied at the institution, including Prime Minister
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, former prime minister Main Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Zafarullah
Khan Jamali, Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Law
Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and himself.
“The most remarkable thing is that GCU never tried to mould us into a single shape. It taught us
how to fly, but never dictated where to go.
That is the finest gift an institution can give the gift
of independent thought,” he said.
He stressed that education is not about filling a bucket but lighting a fire. “GCU lit that fire in
each of us. It taught us to question, to reason, and to respect differing opinions. In an increasingly
divided world, these values of tolerance and diversity are more precious than gold.”
Reflecting on present challenges, Gilani noted that rapid changes such as artificial intelligence,
climate challenges, and evolving economies demand adaptability.
He said, “Government College Lahore not only instilled stability in its students, but also nurtured
maturity and patience.”
He said, ” It has been one year since the Pulwama incident. Following that incident, India launched
an unprovoked attack on Pakistan in May, to which Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state, showed
restraint.”
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said, “Our narrative is understood and accepted by the international
community. We invited the world to conduct an independent investigation, and India’s stance
was rejected globally. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and has acted responsibly.”
He further stated that, at an event at Punjab University, he was told that he was the only
graduate of the university to become Prime Minister.
He also referred to his book, ‘Aarhi Hai Chah Yousaf Se Sada’, which he wrote while in prison.
He urged the Old Ravians Association to establish a mentorship network to guide younger
graduates toward meaningful careers and to ensure that GCU continues to thrive as a center
of excellence.
“I assure you, I will stand with you in every effort to give back to the institution that gave us
so much,” he said.
Sharing an anecdote from Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, he described a story of friendship
in which one friend kept a fire burning on a distant mountain to give warmth and hope to another
enduring a cold night.
“That is what this association represents a fire kept alive across years and distances. When
life grows cold, we can look toward one another for warmth and strength. That fire of friendship
never dies,” he said.
He concluded by urging the participants to carry forward that spirit. “Let us be there for each
other with our prayers and support. That is the true legacy of Government College University
not just the degrees we hold, but the warmth we share.”
Gilani thanked the Old Ravians Association for organizing the gathering and expressed hope
that their bonds would continue to grow stronger.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and
Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad
Mueen Wattoo also addressed the event.
Earlier, the Old Ravian Association General Secretary Shahbaz Ahmed Sheikh welcomed
the participants, while Vice President Shireen Asad conveyed a message of Ishaq Dar.
Senior Vice President Sarfraz Ahmed presented the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the
ceremony.
