The Significance of Pakistan Day

Every year on March 23, Pakistanis across the country and around the world celebrate Pakistan Day, a momentous occasion in the nation’s history. This day marks the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the groundwork for the creation of Pakistan. 

The resolution, passed by the All-India Muslim League at Minto Park (now Iqbal Park) in Lahore, was a turning point in the struggle for an independent Muslim state in South Asia. Seven years later, on August 14, 1947, Pakistan became a reality.

Pakistan Day is not just a commemoration of the past—it is a reaffirmation of the country’s founding principles of unity, faith, and discipline. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve an independent homeland and the responsibilities of maintaining a free and just society.

How Pakistan Day is Observed

Pakistan Day is marked with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor across the country. The celebrations begin with a grand military parade in the capital city of Islamabad, where the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan address the nation. The armed forces showcase their strength, and awards are given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country.

Educational institutions, community organizations, and citizens take part in various activities, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and public discussions about the significance of the day. The media plays a crucial role in highlighting the history of the Lahore Resolution and the values it upholds.

The Relevance of Pakistan Day to Forman Christian College

Forman Christian College (FCCU) in Lahore is uniquely positioned in Pakistan’s history. Established in 1864, FCCU is actually older (by 83 years) than the country of Pakistan itself. When Charles Forman founded the college, it was located within the borders of India, which was then under British rule.

Since its foundation, FCCU has been a center for academic excellence, producing graduates who have played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s development. As an institution deeply rooted in the country’s intellectual and social progress, Forman shares a strong connection with the ideals that Pakistan Day represents.

One of the key aspects of FCCU’s mission is to foster an environment of critical thinking, civic engagement, and leadership. These values align closely with the principles that Pakistan Day stands for—determination, unity, and a commitment to national progress. 

Over the decades, FCCU has contributed to Pakistan’s intellectual and professional landscape, with alumni serving as leaders in various sectors, including politics, science, business, and education.

Why Pakistan Day Matters to FCCU Students

For students at Forman Christian College, Pakistan Day is not just a historical event but a moment to reflect on their role in the country’s future. It serves as a reminder of their responsibility to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and service to the nation. Many FCCU students actively participate in discussions, debates, and community service initiatives to honor the day.

Given its diverse and inclusive environment, FCCU also exemplifies the idea of unity in diversity—a core principle behind the creation of Pakistan. The institution encourages students from various backgrounds to come together to pursue knowledge and progress, reinforcing the message that Pakistan’s strength lies in its people’s collective effort toward a brighter future.

More Than Just a National Holiday

Pakistan Day is more than just a national holiday—it is a day of reflection, pride, and commitment to building a better nation. For the students, faculty, and alumni of Forman Christian College, March 23 is an opportunity to engage with the country’s history, celebrate its achievements, and contribute to its ongoing development.

As we commemorate Pakistan Day, let us remember that the journey of a nation is shaped by the dedication and efforts of its people. By embracing the values of education, service, and unity, FCCU students continue to honor the legacy of this historic day and play their part in shaping Pakistan’s future.

The Admissions Office organized an Open House for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs for the Fall 2025 session on Thursday, February 20, in the Main Football Ground which was shifted to the ‘Jim Tebbe Campus Center’ later due to weather conditions. The purpose of the event was to let prospective students have a detailed understanding about the offerings, facilities, funding opportunities, and detailed admission criteria.

Besides academic departments, the Admissions Office, Career Services & Internships Office, Church Relations Office, Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, International Education Office, Residential Life Department, and Student Activities Office had their stalls at the event. Attendees were also provided with the facility of guided tours of the University, which was greatly appreciated.

In addition to our intermediate, undergraduate, and postgraduate students, non-FCCU students also showed keen interest in our programs. Delegations of students from International School Lahore (ISL), Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), Lahore Grammar School 55-Main, Lahore Grammar School Johar Town, Lahore Grammar School State Life Campus, Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools & Colleges, and The City School Ravi Campus visited the event. Students from other institutions visited either individually, with parents, or in the form of groups.

The institutions include:

• Army Public School
• Beaconhouse School System
• Divisional Public School
• Fazaia Intermediate College
• Government College University
• Government Graduate College for Women Gulberg
• Government Islamia College Civil Lines
• Hajvery University
• Information Technology University
• Kinnaird College for Women University
• KIPS College
• LACAS School System
• Lahore Grammar School 1A1
• Lahore Grammar School
• OPF
• Misali Zakariya Group of Schools & Colleges Arifwala
• National College of Arts
• Punjab Group of Colleges
• Superior University
• The City School System
• The National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES)
• University of Central Punjab
• University of Education
• University of Engineering and Technology (UET)
• University of Home Economics

A few students from far flung areas such as Azad Kashmir, Balochistan, and Kalash also visited the event. Departments also arranged a range of interesting activities to enhance student engagement at their stall.

The initiative provided a wonderful opportunity for prospective students to interact with representatives from academic and administrative departments, learn about the programs, facilities, and funding opportunities offered at Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), and make an informed decision about their future.

We are pleased to share that the Advancement and Alumni Office successfully hosted the Annual Alumni Reunion 2025 at the main ground of FCCU. The event brought together hundreds of alumni, along with their families, and distinguished figures from the corporate sector, making for an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, nostalgia, and the joy of reconnecting with old friends and cherished memories.

A highlight of the evening was the presence of Mr. Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chief Secretary of Punjab, who graciously served as the chief guest. A proud Formanite himself, Mr. Zaman reflected on the significant impact FCCU had on shaping his professional career. His speech highlighted the immense strength and value of the FCCU alumni network, emphasizing how the connections formed at the university continue to benefit individuals throughout their lives.

The evening began with a warm welcome by Mr. Attiazaz Munawar Ud Din, President of the Formanites Alumni Association (FAA) and CEO of Khazana Enterprises. In his address, he underscored the critical role alumni engagement plays in supporting the university’s mission, stressing that the continued involvement of alumni is key to the growth and success of FCCU.

One of the most significant moments of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Distinguished Formanite Award, which was bestowed upon several remarkable alumni for their exceptional contributions in various fields:

• Zahid Akhtar Zaman – Chief Secretary of Punjab (Graduate of 1984 & 1988)
• Shahzad Ali Malik – Group Marketing Director & CEO, Guard Agri (Graduate of 1978)
• Inayat Ali Malhi – CEO, Spincot Textile Mills Pvt. Ltd. (Graduate of 1962)

Each recipient of the award was celebrated not only for their professional accomplishments but also for the ways in which they continue to uphold the values and spirit of FCCU in their respective industries.

Dr. Jonathan S. Addleton, Rector of FCCU, also took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to the alumni community for their continued support and engagement. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing lifelong connections and fostering a vibrant and dynamic network of Formanites, both locally and internationally.

As the evening came to a close, the attendees were treated to a grand gala dinner, providing the perfect opportunity for further reconnection and reflection on the cherished memories of their time at FCCU. To cap off the celebration, a mesmerizing live performance by the renowned artist Sahir Ali Bagga captivated the audience, creating a magical atmosphere that will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of all who attended.

The event also garnered significant attention, with coverage by major news channels and widespread presence on social media, highlighting the success of the reunion and further amplifying the sense of pride within the FCCU community.

The Annual Alumni Reunion 2025 was truly a remarkable occasion, not only celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni but also reinforcing the deep and lasting bonds that tie our Formanite family together. The event was largely covered by print and electronic media.

We are delighted to share that the International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence (AI): Bridging Language, Literature, and Learning in the Digital Age, organized by the Department of English, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), successfully took place on January 31, 2025.

This symposium explored the transformative role of AI in reshaping traditional paradigms in language, literature, and education. It aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue by bridging archival traditions with AI-driven innovations, redefining pedagogical approaches, and contributing to sustainable development in humanities research.

Inaugural Address: Dr. Douglas Trimble

Dr. Trimble (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs) warmly greeted esteemed national and international guests and speakers, emphasizing AI’s transformative role in enriching the humanities. He highlighted the university’s pioneering initiatives, including launching a Digital Library, offering extensive faculty training, and promoting creative projects that blend AI with literary and linguistic studies. Quoting Phil Christman, he cautioned against unbridled technological adoption, urging the preservation of timeless humanistic values such as truth, beauty, and goodness. The Vice Rector expressed optimism for a day filled with insightful discussions and innovative, collaborative learning.

Welcome Note: Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan

In his welcome note, Dr. Aftab Ullah Khan (Professor & Dean of Humanities, FCCU) thanked speakers, guests, faculty, and students while underscoring AI’s transformative role in academia and business. He highlighted China’s DeepSeek, a new tool that, despite minimal investment, has already disrupted the international financial market. Comparing generative AI to earlier innovations like the first dictionary, he noted its ability to learn from its mistakes—producing both profound insights and occasional errors. The Dean also raised ethical concerns, citing incidents like Amazon’s removal of books due to AI misattribution. Ultimately, he framed this era as one of groundbreaking innovation, challenging us to harness AI’s potential responsibly while inspiring creativity and resilience.

Introduction to International Symposium: Dr. Fatima Syeda

Dr. Fatima Syeda (Professor & Chairperson of the Department of English, FCCU) opened the Symposium by expressing deep gratitude to key organizers and speakers, acknowledging their pivotal roles in shaping the event. She posed questions about whether humanity and literature are dying, arguing instead that artificial intelligence serves as an assistive tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. Drawing parallels with historical shifts—from the advent of writing and the printing press to digital innovations—she emphasized that each transformation spurred new forms of literary expression. Ultimately, she invited participants to harness AI’s potential to enrich English literature and language while preserving the unique spark of human imagination.

Context & Perspective: Mr. Adeel Khalid

Mr. Adeel Khalid (Lecturer, Department of English Language), convener of this International Symposium, highlighted the transformative impact of AI in reshaping education, research, and policy. He outlined the Symposium’s focus on integrating AI into literary studies, linguistics, and language education, emphasizing its role in fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Rather than viewing AI as a competitor to human intelligence, he argued that it serves as a valuable assistive tool. By blending revitalized traditions such as digitalized archival systems with innovations like multimodal textuality and algorithmic text generation, the event aimed to explore both opportunities and challenges. Ultimately, the symposium sought to forge new pathways for research, pedagogy, and policy in the humanities.

International Keynotes

From Print to Pixel : Textuality and Meaning-Making in the AI Age

Dr. Reham (Associate Fellow at the Lever Hulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge, UK, Winner of the Robert Coover Award, Coauthor of the novel Al-Barrah, the first Arabic artificial intelligence novel) analyzed the transformation of literature from traditional print to digital and AI-driven formats. She reviewed the evolution of textuality through various stages, including papyrus, manuscripts, printed books, and digital texts, highlighting the role of hypertext and social media in reshaping narrative forms. The impact of AI on authorship was deliberated, where the boundaries between human- and machine-generated texts blur, leading to disputes over authorship and collaborative creative processes.

Her recent work, Al-Barrah, the first pixel novel to combine augmented reality and hologram technologies with Arabic language text, points toward augmented reality. It challenges conventional reading, shifting readers from passive consumers to co-creators of meaning through an immersive reading interface. Ultimately, the presentation envisioned a future where the lines between fiction and reality, as well as author and reader, become increasingly fluid in the digital age.

AI and Humanities: Transforming Language, Literature, and Learning in the Digital Era

Dr. Manvender (Director of Executive Education and Professional Development, University Utara Malaysia, and Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics, School of Languages, Civilization, and Philosophy, University Utara Malaysia) explored the multifaceted role of AI in reshaping human expression and education. She highlighted AI applications in language processing, from bridging linguistic barriers with advanced translation tools to revolutionizing language education through adaptive learning technologies.

She also addressed the ethical considerations and challenges of integrating AI with the humanities, including issues of equity, cultural sensitivity, and accountability. Emphasizing the synergy between technological innovation and humanistic inquiry, the presentation advocated for collaborative efforts to harness AI’s potential responsibly.

National Keynotes

AI in Linguistics & Literature: Ethical Considerations and Innovations

Dr. Ayaz (Professor and Dean of Languages and Literature, IIUI) explored the potential of integrating AI into linguistics and literature, enhancing natural language processing and creative writing. He highlighted how tools like ChatGPT, Google Translate, and Duolingo are transforming language learning and communication. AI also plays a crucial role in digitizing ancient texts, creating audiobooks, and analyzing stylistic elements. However, he emphasized the importance of addressing ethical concerns, including data privacy, biases in AI algorithms, and plagiarism, particularly in generative content. Stressing the need for policy-guided practices, he underscored the importance of responsibly navigating AI’s creative and assistive potential.

AI & the Quest for Intelligence: Emerging Trajectories in Literary Scholarship

Dr. Fatima (Professor and Chairperson, Department of English) demonstrated how AI tools, such as Claude, Toolsaday, Writesonic, ChatGPT, and Ideogram assist literary scholarship by supporting the creation and analysis of texts. While these tools enhance intellectual processes, they fall short in capturing the emotional, psychological, and cultural depth that human creators provide. AI excels in pattern recognition but lacks the ability to generate new ideas through ‘abductive’ reasoning, which is crucial in literature. She brought attention to the idea of AI being seen as a supportive tool, not a replacement for human intuition, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Therefore, urging students and scholars to use AI responsibly.

Redefining the Literary Canvas: The Confluence of Technology and Creativity

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative writing is reshaping literary studies by challenging traditional ideas of human authorship, altering narrative structures, and enhancing expression. However, Dr. Zahid (Associate Professor & Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Lahore) examined its long-term impact, which remains uncertain, as the vast processing power of AI may lead to a homogenization of literary content and taste. This raises concerns about the suppression of indigenous voices and cultural narratives, as AI could simplify complex idioms and traditions.

A Human-AI Synergy in the Humanities

Dr. Sonia (Assistant Professor, PhD Royal Holloway University of London, UK, Faculty of Languages & Literature, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan) discussed how the integration of AI in the humanities transforms literary analysis, education, and creativity, enhancing text analysis, sentiment evaluation, and authorship attribution. AI aids in preserving rare manuscripts, translating ancient languages, and broadening access to marginalized literary traditions. However, the rise of AI-generated content raises ethical concerns about authorship and authenticity. While AI can expand creative possibilities and democratize literature through multilingual exchange, it may also obscure cultural nuances, challenging traditional literary practices. Her presentation explored how human-AI collaboration can preserve critical, cultural, and ethical values while improving research efficiency and educational access.

Digital Data Analytics in Languages & Literature in the age of AI

The concluding keynote speaker deliberated the application of Digital Data Analytics in languages, literature, and linguistics, with a particular focus on AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Dr. Khalid (Postdoctoral Research, University of Birmingham, UK, Department of English, Faculty of Languages & Literature, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan) simplified how language models analyze massive datasets through pattern recognition and computational linguistics, drawing parallels with human language’s structure and functionality.

Attention was placed on how AI processes data through methods such as tokenization, sentiment analysis, and entity recognition, as well as how digitization has transformed fields like lexicography, grammatical studies, and literary analysis. He also touched on the use of big data and tools like Python in processing and analyzing linguistic patterns across languages.

Forman’s School of Management hosted a well received workshop on “Leading With Inclusion” on January 8. Organized by School of Management Assistant Professor Dr. Afaf Khalid, the program included talks delivered by Dr. Faisal Khosa, a radiologist visiting from British Columbia who is actively engaged with diversity issues in Canada.

With ORIC support, the Sociology Department and Sociology Society organized a Departmental Thesis Display in early January featuring the outstanding work of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Forman’s Chemistry Department organized Forman’s Fourth Annual Chemistry Conference, an impressive event that received funding from several sources including the HEC and involved presenters from Mexico, Malaysia, the US and elsewhere. Thanks especially to Department Chair Dr. Shazma Massey Azeem and her team for organizing such an impressive event.

Forman’s English Department hosted a webinar titled Digital Humanities for Literature and Linguistics, presented by Dr. Emily Bell from Leeds University (UK). In addition, Forman’s English Department organized a Postgraduate Colloquium on Literature, Film and Art; special thanks to Dr. Amna Umer Cheema from the Institute of English Studies at the University of Punjab for participating as Guest of Honor.

Forman’s English Department also organized an international symposium and exhibition on Artificial Intelligence (AI): Bridging Language, Literature and Learning in the Digital Age. Designed to benefit both faculty and students, the program featured several speakers providing insights that will hopefully “inspire our Forman community and contribute to our critical perspectives on how these digital intersections with the emerging technology landscape advancements are reshaping the literary and linguistic landscape of the country”.

Forman’s Computer Science Department organized a special exhibition held on January 13 to showcase 17 senior student projects. Invited guests from various IT companies including Devsinc, Arbisoft, Venturenox, Aircod, and Prexite also attended as students competed in two prize categories, Best Poster Award and Best Project Award.

The Best Project prize was awarded to Hassan Adil, Shaharez Malik and Faizan Imtiaz for their project FallX: Airbag Safety Vest for Vulnerable Individuals, with Dr. Sidra Minhas and M. Rauf Butt serving as Advisors. As for the Best Poster Award, it was secured by Shaeen Amir, Maryam Iqtidar and Asama Ayub for their project RealTime Monitoring of Electrolyte Imbalance Using ECG Signals, advised by Dr. M. Rauf Butt.

Associate Professor Syeda Shabbir reports that Forman has received partial HEC funding to organize a Third Conference on Recent Trends in Physics later this month, adding further to a growing list of special academic events that Forman will host during the early months of 2025.

Finally, Forman hosted a two-day workshop sponsored by the American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS) on “Heritage and Technology” on January 15-16. Featuring Dr. Uzma Rizvi from the Pratt Institute in New York, the event included participants from across Pakistan. A special thanks to Dr. Sikandar Hayat for his leadership role, both in this event and in strengthening our ongoing partnership with AIPS.