20/09/2026
On 19 September 2026, The Catholic Diocese of Islamabad–Rawalpindi celebrated the success of its young students at the High Achievers Scholarship Programme, held at the Catholic Institute Hall, Rawalpindi. A good number of priests, religious and 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, His Grace Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad. The ceremony was a beautiful opportunity to honour the hard work of the students and to encourage them as they look towards the future. A total number of 56 students were honoured at the ceremony. They came from different parishes of Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese and they all achieved excellent results in the Matric examinations. Out of 56 students 7 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, Rev. 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 His Grace Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad for his efforts to promote education and skill-based education within the Diocese.
Mr. Sanwar Gill, General Secretary of the Diocesan Board of Education, expressed that the Archbishop touches the hearts of Christian students in every section of life. He said, “Before appreciation, we need motivation,” and explained that the Archbishop 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 Emergency of 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 zeal and are educated and skillful. 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. Sanawer 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 His Grace the Archbishop himself.
At the end All were invited for festive lunch however As a special honour, the seven students who scored above 1,100 marks had the honor to have lunch at the Bishop’s House together with Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad. This warm and personal gesture was a memorable way to recognise 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.
