ISLAMABAD (SE): The Catholic Diocese of Islamabad–Rawalpindi celebrated its young students at the High Achievers Scholarship Programme on September 19 at the Catholic Institute Hall, Rawalpindi. Over 150 people, including priests, religious, catechists, and high achievers, attended and warmly welcomed Archbishop Joseph Arshad.
The event recognized 56 students from various parishes for their outstanding matriculation examination results, celebrating their dedication and inspiring them for the future.
Father Amer Yaqub welcomed guests and emphasised the diocese’s commitment to supporting and encouraging its students. He expressed hope that students would continue to excel and thanked Archbishop Arshad for promoting education and skills-based learning.
Sanwar Gill, general secretary of the Diocesan Board of Education, noted the archbishop’s positive influence on Christian students.
He said, “Before appreciation, we need motivation”, and explained that the archbishop motivated students to use their time wisely. He also spoke about the archbishop’s significant pastoral letters, including the letter on education in 2022 and the letter for the Year of Children in 2026, which highlights Christian faith education for children and encourages students to strive for success.
Archbishop Arshad advised students to work diligently, set clear goals, and aspire to meaningful professions, reminding them of their forebears’ contributions to Pakistan and encouraging them to serve the community and nation.
He inspired students to work hard and pursue education—academic and technical—so they can benefit their families, communities, and country. He called for collaboration to help more youth succeed.
The archbishop encouraged parents to understand the value of education and to support their children, noting that with family encouragement, students can accomplish great things.
He outlined the diocese’s vision: to foster faith-filled, educated, and skilled individuals who witness and glorify God through their lives.
The ceremony ended positively, inspiring students, parents, and guests. The archbishop’s hopeful message emphasized that with hard work, faith, and family and community support, youth can achieve success and serve the nation.
— Rabeel Aslam, representative, Social Media Communication, Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese
