News Desk
Lahore, June 19, 2026:
The Catholic Education Commission of the Archdiocese of Lahore organized the Career Counseling and Higher Education Expo 2026 at St. Anthony’s Hall, Lahore, to provide Christian youth with guidance on higher education, career planning, and professional development.
The event brought together representatives from universities, professional institutions, and public sector organizations to inform students about academic opportunities, technical education, scholarships, and career pathways.
A panel discussion featured experts from various institutions, including Shaheen Malik of Leads University, Nasir Gill of Forman Christian College and Chartered University, Khurram Khurshid of Minhaj University Lahore, Umar Farooq of the University of Central Punjab, Afzal Aftab of MCB Islamic Bank, Lt. Talha and Lt. Abdul Basit of the Pakistan Navy, Abram Marcus of Don Bosco Technical Institute, and Advocate Aslam Shahzad of Lincoln College for Legal Studies.
Addressing the participants, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat emphasized the importance of education in personal and national development. He said the Expo had brought together representatives of higher education institutions to equip young people with information about educational and professional opportunities.
“Education is the fundamental means that guarantees both individual and national development,” he said.
The Archbishop noted that Christians have historically contributed to Pakistan’s progress and stressed the need to expose the younger generation to emerging fields of knowledge and professional skills. He said the Expo aimed to familiarize students with opportunities in higher education, technical training, career counseling, and scholarships. He encouraged young people to believe in their abilities, take advantage of available opportunities, and build a strong foundation for their future.
Ashir Javed, Executive Director of the Catholic Education Commission, said the Expo was organized to help Christian youth make informed career choices and pursue higher education so they could become responsible and productive citizens.
During the session, speakers shared information on a wide range of academic disciplines and career opportunities, including technical and vocational education, banking, law, the Pakistan Navy, and the Pakistan Armed Forces. They encouraged students to choose educational and professional paths that align with their talents, interests, and long-term goals.
Universities and educational institutions also set up information booths where participants received details about academic programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Students interacted directly with institutional representatives and sought personalized guidance regarding their educational plans.
Participants described the Expo as informative and beneficial. During the question-and-answer session, students raised queries about scholarships, admissions, and career opportunities.
One participant, Tahir, asked whether the Pakistan Navy offers scholarships. Responding to the question, Lt. Talha explained that candidates who join the Pakistan Navy after completing intermediate education begin receiving a regular salary while continuing their education and professional training.
Another participant, Hina, said the Expo had provided valuable information and an opportunity to interact directly with university representatives. She said learning about different educational pathways had strengthened her confidence in pursuing higher education and planning for a brighter future.
Representatives from participating universities and professional organizations also responded to additional questions regarding scholarships and career opportunities, providing students with further guidance on educational and professional advancement.