BAHAWALPUR, Jan 8: Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the new hostel at the Islamia University Bahawalpur.

He also announced establishment of fine arts department at the institute.

The governor was speaking at the second convocation (since 1975) of the university. He stressed that students must stay away from politics. He urged the graduates to play an effective role in the development of Cholistan.

Earlier, Prof Dr Munir Akhtar, the vice-chancellor, said in his address of welcome that sub-campuses of the IUB would be established in Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar to facilitate students.

The governor also gave away 136 gold and 108 silver medals to the graduates of 1997-2002. Besides, 13 students were awarded PhD and two M.Phil degrees.

Some 15 outgoing graduates were awarded degrees.