Dr. Gohar Ejaz Renews Partnership with LUMS to Support NOP Scholars
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Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and CEO, Lake City Holdings, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the LUMS National Outreach Programme (NOP). A longtime advocate and champion of accessible education, and the recipient of the distinguished presidential medal, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Dr. Ejaz, has supported the NOP since 2017. To formalise this partnership, an MoU signing ceremony took place on May 18, 2024, at the Lake City Golf and Country Club. The formal agreement was signed by Mr. Javaid Iqbal, Chairman, Lake City Holdings and Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor, LUMS, followed by a cheque-handing-over ceremony.
LUMS senior leadership including, Mr. Shahid Hussain, Rector; Dr. Ali Khan, Dean, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director, Office of Advancement were present at the event. They were welcomed by Dr. Gohar Ejaz and Mr. Sultan Gohar, Director, Lake City. Also present at the occasion were notable guests like Mr. Sardar Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera, Former Cabinet Secretary of Pakistan; Dr. Sohail Naqvi, CEO, Knowledge Streams; and Mr. S.M. Tanveer, Non-Executive Director, Din Textile Mills Limited.
Welcoming the guests at the ceremony, Mr. Sultan Gohar expressed his appreciation, stating, “The National Outreach Programme at LUMS is a great initiative that has enabled us to play a part in providing world-class education to underprivileged students. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Mr. Sukhera also shared his thoughts at the event, stating, “The true value of the National Outreach Programme is best understood by the students and their families, who rely on these scholarships to access a quality education they would otherwise be unable to afford. Equal opportunities for education should be available to everyone. I firmly believe that without investing in quality university education, Pakistan cannot progress. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gohar Ejaz and Lake City Holdings for their continued support and for increasing the number of scholarships that will enable deserving students to receive an education at LUMS.”
Dr. Cheema, while expressing his appreciation, stated: “It is a very proud moment to be here today. Dr. Gohar Ejaz and Lake City are true benefactors to our scholarship programme. We have an old friendship, and it is encouraging to see them scaling up their investment in the future of Pakistan and allowing us to partner in that mission. The handshake today is not only about the scholarship programme but also about deepening the civic tradition that will be essential to the transformation of this country. I cannot think of better partners to help scale this up, and we are extremely grateful as a university. Access to quality education can only be increased if we step up together. With immense pride and pleasure, I welcome you as key partners in this mission as we look to your guidance and support.”
Adding to the sentiment, Mr. Shahid Hussain highlighted the significance of the support provided by Dr. Ejaz: “The support that you are providing will fund scholars from our flagship National Outreach Programme. It is not just for the underprivileged; it goes beyond that. We strive to reach out to all corners and cities of the country. Our students come from all over Pakistan, and Dr. Ejaz has set an example for students to imagine a future that they could not otherwise think of. I thank Dr. Gohar Ejaz and Mr. Sultan Gohar for their generosity and for their thoughtful consideration of where their funding should go. It is equally important to consider where you spend your money and for what cause.”
Dr. Gohar Ejaz congratulated Dr. Ali Cheema on assuming charge as the Vice Chancellor of LUMS, commending his accomplishments as an economist. He expressed his continued support for the collaboration, stating, “We are now in the eighth year of our partnership with LUMS, and we are proud to renew this partnership again. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and we are proud to support LUMS in shaping a brighter future for Pakistan through initiatives like the National Outreach Programme. LUMS graduates will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pakistan. Without education, a country cannot progress, and you are all stakeholders in this mission. Lake City stands with you in this noble journey.”
This renewed partnership highlights Dr. Ejaz’s dedication to enhancing opportunities for inclusive education. The contribution will fund scholarships for deserving students at LUMS, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented individuals from accessing quality education. LUMS is deeply grateful to Dr. Gohar Ejaz for his generosity and continued support.
