By Rabeel Aslam/Social Media Communication of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese, Pakistan
THE Catholic Diocese of Islamabad–Rawalpindi celebrated the success of its young students at the High Achievers Scholarship Programme, held Sep 19, 2026, at the Catholic Institute Hall, Rawalpindi.
A good number of priests, religious, catechists, and more than 150 people joined this joyful and inspiring gathering, including a large number of high achievers who warmly welcomed the chief guest, Archbishop Joseph Arshad.
The ceremony was a beautiful opportunity to honor the hard work of the students and to encourage them as they look towards the future. A total of 56 students were honored at the ceremony. They came from different parishes of the Islamabad and Rawalpindi Diocese, and they all achieved excellent results in the matric examinations. Out of 56 students, seven even scored above 1,100 marks. The dedication and hard work of these children is a source of pride for their families, parishes, and the whole diocese.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Fr Amer Yaqub warmly welcomed all the guests, the students, and their parents. He also stated that this gathering is not only appreciation for the students but also an opportunity for the diocese to meet and encourage them.
Just as they had achieved success in their matric examinations, he hoped that they would go even further in the future. He also thanked Archbishop Joseph Arshad for his efforts to promote education and skill-based education within the diocese.
Sanwar Gill, General Secretary of the Diocesan Board of Education, said that the archbishop touches the hearts of Christian students in every section of life. He said, “Before appreciation, we need motivation,” and explained that Archbishop Joseph motivates students so that they use their time in a good way. He also spoke about the Archbishop’s important 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 achieve good success.
In his address to the students and their parents, the Archbishop advised the students to work hard and set goals to achieve success in life and to choose a good profession. He said that, just as our forefathers played a vital role and made a great contribution to the uplift and progress of our beloved country, Pakistan, the students too can serve the community and the nation well with their qualifications and educational background. He also encouraged them to take inspiring heroes as their role models and to set their targets.
The Archbishop shared a message of hope and faith with the students. He said that all those who make efforts and focus on their goals will be blessed: “God always blesses their hard work.” He encouraged them to continue working hard and to get a better education so that they may contribute positively to their family, community, and country. He also urged the students to gain technical education and to become skilful in different fields. He invited everyone to work together so that more and more young people can succeed.
The Archbishop made an appeal to the parents to understand the value of education and to support their children and their education. He said that with the encouragement of their families, the students can achieve great things.
He also spoke about the vision of the diocese: to be faithful, who are full of zeal and are educated and skilful. These goals show the diocese’s wish to see its young people who grow in faith, knowledge, and skills and witness and glorify God through their lives.
On this joyful event, Fr Snawer Naveed played the role of stage secretary, and Fr Asad led the Ave Maria Choir, which added further joy to the ceremony by beautiful hymns in appreciation of the children. The hymns were taken from the album “Jhil Mil Tare Asman Pe Chamke,” which was written and composed by the Archbishop himself.
At the end, all were invited for a festive lunch; however, as a special honor, the seven students who scored above 1,100 marks had the privilege to have lunch at the Bishop’s House together with Archbishop Joseph Arshad. This warm and personal gesture was a memorable way to recognize their outstanding achievement.
The ceremony ended on a very positive note, leaving the students, parents and guests inspired and encouraged. The Archbishop’s message was clear and hopeful: with hard work, focus, faith, and the support of family and community, our young people can achieve success and serve the community and the nation.
