Education was not an option but a necessity, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir said while addressing the annual convocation week of the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) that commenced at the varsity’s main campus in the federal capital on Monday.

“Today is the beginning of a new chapter in students’ lives, which heralds a significant change that demands greater responsibility,” he was quoted as saying in a press release shared by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The army chief, who is also the chairman of NUST board of governors, was the chief guest at the inaugural ‘Master Convocation Ceremony’ and conferred medals upon distinction holders.

Earlier upon arrival at NUST, the COAS was received by the NUST rector.

In a statement, the military’s media wing said that bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students received degrees during the course of convocation week. Degrees were being awarded to over 3,500 graduates from all NUST schools at the main campus in the seven core disciplines.

In his address, the COAS extended his felicitations to graduates, their parents and faculty. He commended NUST for developing a “conducive ecosystem for teaching and learning – one that nurtures brilliant minds, who are fully poised to serve the nation.”

He emphasised that the newfound responsibility should manifest in their personality and choices in the journey ahead.

“It is now incumbent upon them to figure out and analyse challenges facing the country and put their intellectual resourcefulness to find their solutions,” COAS Munir said.