166/25 Governor Punjab Leads IUB Centenary Celebrations with Tribute to Visionary Leadership of Prof. Kamran

At the inaugural ceremony of IUB's centenary celebrations, graced by Punjab Governor and Chancellor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, the university honored its past while charting a bold course for the future. Amid the dignitaries and celebratory spirit stood Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, whose four-year tenure (2010–2014) remains etched in institutional memory as an era of unprecedented progress, fiscal stability, and global outreach.

In his heartfelt remarks, Prof. Mukhtar congratulated the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, for his visionary leadership during this milestone year. "It is heartening to see the university flourish under capable hands," he remarked. "This centenary is a celebration of the past and a promise for the future."

The air was filled with happiness and pride as colleagues and students warmly received Prof. Mukhtar. Flanked by two Vice Chancellors he mentored, his presence was symbolic and deeply inspiring. His face radiated quiet satisfaction, alluding to the enduring legacy of a man who once redefined the very ethos of the university.

During his transformative leadership, Prof. Mukhtar brought a wave of change to IUB, propelling it into national and international prominence. His initiatives, such as the Internal Camel Conference, International Date Palm Conference, the establishment of a Deer Breeding Center, and the organization of the World Aman Mela (Peace Festival), showcased his unique ability to blend regional relevance with international vision, inspiring a new era of progress and innovation at the university.

His efforts during that time deepened the university's scientific profile and fostered a spirit of cultural renaissance. His term was marked by fiscal discipline, research proliferation, and institutional governance that would serve as a model for other public sector universities in Pakistan.

Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan praised the university's role in shaping generations of Pakistanis, reminding the audience of the institution's noble roots. "This historic building and the vision of its founders reflect an unwavering commitment to knowledge, faith, and nation-building," the Governor said. "Pakistan's future lies in embracing science, technology, and our intellectual heritage."

The centenary festivities also included the inauguration of the Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi Centenary Gate, Faculty Hostel, and University Shopping Market. At the same time, a tree plantation campaign further symbolized the institution's commitment to sustainable development.

As the university embarks on its second century, leaders like Prof. Kamran are building on the solid foundations laid by stalwarts such as Prof. Mukhtar. The recent inclusion of the university in the Top 1000 global institutions by Times Higher Education and QS Rankings is a testament to this enduring legacy, filling the IUB community with pride and confidence in the quality of education and research at the university.

Amidst a crowd of students, scholars, alumni, and citizens, the centennial celebration was a powerful reminder of what visionary leadership can achieve. In honoring its distinguished past, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur set a tone of purpose, pride, and promise for the century ahead, instilling a sense of optimism and excitement about the future of the university.