LAHORE: (Saturday, May 2, 2026): Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan, Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, stated that everyone must play an active role in strengthening the mental and physical well-being of youth. He expressed these views while addressing the prize distribution ceremony of the HEC Sports General Trophy 2024–25 held at Al-Razi Hall of Punjab University here on Saturday. On this occasion, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, VC Lahore Garrison University Major General (r) Khalid Dar, Executive Director Punjab Group of Colleges Sohail Afzal, Pro-Rector UCP Dr. Hammad Naveed, Prof Dr. Nizamuddin, DG Sports HEC Rizwan Shaukat, PU’s Director Sports Dr. Shabbir Sarwar, along with a large number of athletes from PU and other universities, attended the event.

In his address, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar said that promoting youth participation in sports is among the government’s priorities, and meaningful results can only be achieved through merit-based training. He added that the HEC will continue supporting universities that demonstrate strong performance in sports and research. He emphasized that extracurricular activities also benefit students at the international level. He said that attending an event at PU is an honor. He further noted that under HEC’s supervision, sports activities continue throughout the year to highlight the abilities of youth. He appreciated the efforts of VC Dr. Muhammad Ali and the Director Sports Dr Shabbir Sarwar for organizing an excellent event and congratulated UCP and PU, along with other successful universities. Dr. Muhammad Ali stated that more work is needed to promote sports, adding that students who participate in sports tend to be more successful in life. He praised students engaged in extracurricular and sports activities. He also noted that the UCP has achieved remarkable success among private universities, which is commendable. He added that PU regularly organizes competitions among students to keep sports grounds active, and highlighted that the university’s rowing team has performed excellently at the international level, bringing pride to the country. Dr. Shabbir Sarwar said that under the leadership of VC Dr. Muhammad Ali, PU will continue to promote sports. He thanked the HEC for giving the university the honor of hosting the ceremony. Rizwan Shaukat said that annual competitions have been organized under HEC since 1973, and that the commission is playing its role not only in education but also in promoting sports. In the HEC Sports General Trophy (Men’s category), UCP secured first position, while PU came second. In the women’s category, PU secured first place, followed by Lahore College for Women University. Sports activities were organized across universities throughout Pakistan, including cricket, volleyball, athletics, wrestling, and other competitions. During the 2024–25 season, 42 zonal and 39 final competitions were held. A total of 143 universities participated in the men’s competitions and 73 in the women’s competitions. Later, prizes and trophies were distributed among the winning athletes.