Government College University Faisalabad hosted a delegation from the European Union led by Dr. Sébastien Lorion, EU Team Leader for Governance and Human Capital Development, Islamabad. The visit aimed to promote human rights, tolerance, and equal opportunities for minority communities in Pakistan through collaborative initiatives.

The delegation included representatives from the Pakistan Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) Mr. Munir Goraya and Mr. Arshid Mehmood and Sudhaar Foundation CEO Mr. Rana Nadeem Iqbal with his team members. Minority community representatives, media personnel, and faculty members also attended the session, including Dr. Ghulam Mustafa, Chairperson Department of International Relations GCUF.

Dr. Lorion emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic development, particularly the welfare and empowerment of minority communities. He highlighted the importance of the GSP Plus programme in advancing human rights, governance, and sustainable development, reaffirming that the EU would continue to uplift the living standards of minority groups in Pakistan.

The delegation discussed two major EU-funded projects “Together for Tolerance” by PCHR, focusing on interfaith harmony and anti-discrimination, and a Sudhaar Foundation initiative promoting education and social empowerment of minorities. Dr. Lorion commended both organizations for fostering inclusivity and mutual respect.

He also appreciated GCUF’s inclusive academic environment and merit-based admissions, describing the university as a model for equitable education in Pakistan. The visitors admired GCUF’s historical architecture and its longstanding academic legacy.

Dr. Sofia Anwar, Professor of Economics, briefed the participants on her project, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights of Minorities in Pakistan, under the “Together for Tolerance” initiative, stressing the importance of equal economic opportunities and cultural preservation.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rauf-i-Azam expressed gratitude to the EU delegation, noting that GCUF shares the EU’s vision of inclusive development and equal opportunity. He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to providing a discrimination-free environment for students from all communities and appreciated the EU’s ongoing support through the GSP Plus framework.

The visit concluded with a constructive dialogue between the EU delegation, civil society, and minority representatives, reflecting a shared vision for a more inclusive, tolerant, and cohesive society.