Government College University (GCU) Lahore has announced plans to set up a separate Department of Performing Arts, according to reports on Friday.
Is GCU Lahore getting a separate Department of Performing Arts?
The new department will give students a chance to study theatre and other performing arts as part of their formal education.
Vice Chancellor Professor Umar Chaudhary announced the decision at the closing ceremony of the 135th annual play of the Government College Dramatic Club.
GCU expands arts education
The annual play was based on Rustam-o-Sohrab. It is a famous Urdu play written by Agha Hashar Kashmiri. The play focused on love, duty and the tragedy of family relationships.
Professor Umar said GCU has a long history of supporting the arts. He said the university had already started expanding its academic programmes.
The first batch of students in film and television studies was admitted this year. The new performing arts department will further expand these opportunities.
‘GCU is a “nursery” for Pakistan’s entertainment industry’
The ceremony was also attended by actor and GCU alumnus Noor Hassan. Hassan welcomed the university’s decision to make theatre part of its formal academic programmes.
He praised the students for their performances. He also appreciated the technical work behind the production.
Hassan called GCU a “nursery” for Pakistan’s entertainment industry. He said the university had produced many talented people who later became successful in the industry.
He mentioned GCU alumni Omar Dar and Talha Chahour as examples. He also said he believed the current students would build successful careers in television and film.
‘GCU Lahore hikes fees by 150 per cent’
Previously, the sudden and steep hike in summer and repeat semester fees at GCU Lahore has sparked serious student concern.
According to the students, the university administration has charged a fee of Rs15,000 per subject, up from Rs6,000, without informing them in advance.
This has now resulted in a situation where students have to pay Rs30,000 to Rs45,000 or more to repeat two or three subjects, as their marks were insufficient in those subjects.
