The Catholic Education Commission of the Archdiocese of Lahore organized a Career Counseling Panel Discussion and Higher Education Expo 2026 on June 19 at St. Anthony’s Hall in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province.
The event aimed to provide young people with guidance on higher education, career planning, vocational training, and scholarship opportunities as they prepare for their professional futures.
The expo brought together representatives from universities, technical institutes, the banking sector, legal education institutions, and the Pakistan Navy. Students had the opportunity to interact directly with experts and learn about academic programs, admissions procedures, and career pathways.
The panel discussion featured distinguished speakers including Mrs. Shaheen Malik (Leads University), Mr. Nasir Gill (Forman Christian College and Chartered University), Mr. Khurram Khurshid (Minhaj University Lahore), Mr. Umar Farooq (University of Central Punjab), Mr. Afzal Aftab (MCB Islamic Bank), Lt. Talha (Pakistan Navy), Lt. Abdul Basit (Pakistan Navy), Mr. Abram Marcus (Don Bosco Technical Institute), and Advocate Aslam Shahzad (Lincoln College for Legal Studies).
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat emphasized the importance of education in shaping both individual lives and national development.
“Today, under one roof, representatives of numerous higher educational institutions have gathered to provide young people with valuable information for a brighter future. Education is the fundamental means that guarantees both individual and national development,” he said.
The archbishop noted that Christians have long contributed to Pakistan’s educational, social, and national development and encouraged young people to explore emerging fields of study and professional opportunities.
“It is now time to introduce our younger generation to new opportunities, modern fields of knowledge, and vocational skills so that they may acquire higher education and professional expertise and contribute even more effectively to the nation’s development,” he said.
He added that the purpose of the expo was to familiarize students with opportunities in higher education, technical training, career guidance, and scholarships.
“I encourage all young people to have confidence in their abilities, take full advantage of these opportunities, and build a strong foundation for a bright future,” he said.
Ashir Javed, executive director of the Catholic Education Commission, said the expo sought to help Christian youth make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.
“The Higher Education Expo 2026 aims to provide Christian youth with guidance regarding career choices and future opportunities, enabling them to pursue higher education and become responsible citizens,” he said.
Speakers provided information on a wide range of fields, including higher education, technical and vocational training, banking, law, naval service, and careers in Pakistan’s armed forces. Students were encouraged to align their educational and career choices with their talents, interests, and long-term goals.
Throughout the event, participating institutions operated information booths where students could obtain details about academic programs, admissions requirements, financial assistance, and scholarship opportunities.
Participants described the expo as beneficial and informative.
One student, Tahir, asked whether the Pakistan Navy offers scholarships for students. Lt. Talha explained that recruits who join the Navy after completing intermediate education receive a salary while continuing their studies and professional training.
Another participant, Hina, said the expo broadened students’ understanding of educational opportunities.
“Today’s Expo provided us with very useful information. The opportunity to interact with university experts and learn about educational pathways has inspired us and strengthened our belief that pursuing university-level education can help us build a brighter future,” she said.
Students also raised questions about scholarships and financial assistance, which were addressed by representatives of universities and professional organizations participating in the event.
Organizers said the initiative reflects the Catholic Church’s continuing commitment to supporting the educational advancement and professional development of young people in Pakistan.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
