Nowruz Function Held for Afghan Students in collaboration with HEC Pakistan 21 March 2023

Students of Afghanistan studying at COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus on Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship offered by HEC Pakistan are away from home and living in hostels. COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad campus arranged a Nowruz function for the students with the collaboration and advice of HEC Pakistan. The Project Director for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Project, Mr. Jehanzeb Khan was the chief guest at the event. Afghan National students from the institutions within the region were also invited to attend. About 300 students participated in the event.

The International office spearheaded the event with the cooperation and support of Ms. Absaria Talat Lodhi, Manager of Operations, and Dr Malik Tahir Hayat, Associate Professor Environmental Sciences. The student body was actively engaged in managing the stage activities. Main organizers were Muhammad Rafiq (CR), Abdullah Safi, Mahir Safi. Stage Anchor persons were Jamil Ur Rehman, Abdul Shakoor, Nilofar Jafri, and Rahila Safdari. Presentation on Nowruz was given by Tila Khan. Students performed their regional dances such as Attan, Qataghani, and Karsak, solo dances, singing, and instrumental music with rabab. Female students presented a Samanak activity on stage with presentation of the main theme for the event.

Chairman Environmental Sciences Department Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad welcomed the chief guest. Mr. Jehanzeb Khan spoke to the students in a heart-to-heart manner. He motivated them to study hard and encouraged them. The students were excited to have him among them, as he knew every student.

Campus Director, Prof Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah concluded the event, with an appreciation for HEC and for the organizers of the event. He shared his views about Nowruz and concluded his talk with a presentation of a souvenir to the chief guest. The Afghani “Qula/ tope” was presented to the chief guest by the senior Afghan student.

In the end, a cake-cutting ceremony was conducted on stage with students taking group pictures. The session concluded with the dinner and selfies of the students with the flag of Afghanistan on stage. The Afghan students from other universities/ institutions left the campus with good memories.