26TH CULTURAL WEEK

Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi, addressing the ceremony said provision of quality education and best educational facilities was top priority of government. “IIUI is one of the institutions which are prime focus of the government, and soon university would become a leading, renowned global educational institution across the globe” he added.

He stressed upon students to revive the Muslim legacy of knowledge by working hard and taking interest in modern advancements. Deputy Speaker assured that NA standing committee on education would soon visit the university and work for solution of its problems.

In the ceremony, overjoyed student audience and distinguished guests along with top IIUI officials enjoyed the documentary which contained a summary of the event. According to results of the mega event, international exhibition was won by Afghanistan, Chinese who had been witnessed performing famous lion dance at their stall in the exhibition, clinched second while the third was grabbed by the Saudi Arabian students. In the Faculty competition of best stall, Faculty of Engineering and Technology and Iqra Centre of IIUI outclassed all the contestants by winning the best stall title while one of the most populated faculties Applied Sciences clinched second and third prize of best faculty stall was given to Shariah and Law students. Best performers of cultural night, Naat Khawani, Qirat, declamation, drama and many other contestants of various events were awarded with prizes and shields in the ceremony. Ceremony was also attended by Thai Ambassador to Pakistan, Ambassador of Oman and various other diplomats.

Addressing the ceremony, Rector IIUI Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said prevailing circumstances require dissemination of tolerance and harmony among people and IIUI is key institution which can be utilized to play its role for building peace and stability. “IIUI has potential to provide solutions to the problems of Ummah as it has scholars who can guide government in complex issues” Rector IIUI maintained.

He urged the students to be innovative in their respective fields while saying “good is not enough but excellence is the name of successes, IIUI students can lead the Muslim Ummah towards a way of unity, progress and prosperity”. He added “IIUI is proud of its students”.

President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh said IIUI is an institution of global repute; it can be called face of Pakistan. “ University spread message of love, peace and brotherhood in its 26th cultural week where students of 50 countries brought their cultures on one place in international exhibitions, seminars, sports and many other constructive activities” President IIUI added. He stressed upon students to adopt attitude of moderation and discourage extremism and violence in the society.

Students celebrated their victory in various competitions and vowed to remain more active in activities such as cultural week. “Cultural Week gave me confidence, I had never thought I would win a prize in Naat Khawni” said Syed Muhammad Bilal Shah, a student of media and communication studies while talking to public relations representative of the university.

Dr. Tahir Khalily, students’ advisor who had responsibility to supervise the mega event, said in his speech that hard work of IIUI students, faculty members and administration made the event, a success.

The ceremony was also attended by diplomats and delegates of various countries, Vice President IIUI Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan and university deans and directors.

At the end, Shields were presented to distinguished guests including Deputy Speaker, Ambassadors, other diplomats of Thailand, Oman, Saudi Arabia and delegates of various countries.

Earlier, Students’ Advisor (male) office had also organized various events in collaboration with various departments which include Videography and Dramatic Competition, Minute to win it and Throw/Eat and Win it and various others.

According to details, water rocket competition was held between 12 teams who designed 24 rockets while two teams from FET “F13 Cheetas” and “F12 Stars” were announced as winners of the competition. The event was graced by the Director General Gulzar Ahmed Khawaja along with students’ adviser Dr. Tahir Khalili. A large number of students from all faculties joined the event.

A “Campus Marathon” was also held in which over 50 students participated. Participants do not include only students but Dean FET Dr. Aqdas Naveed Malik and Students’ Advisor Dr. Tahir Khalili also participated in Marathon. Marathon was won by IIIE while FLL clinched Runner up position.

Cultural week was not all about sports and curricular competitions but more constructive activities such as Campus Cleanliness and Adventure Hunt were organized amid mega events’ ongoing activities. Over 26 teams from different faculties participated in both events. Winner and runner up were from Department of Computer Sciences and Software Engineering.

Creative skills of IIUI youth were tested in a Photography Competition which was based on theme “cultural week and sports gala activities”. Over 30 participants submitted their photographs , 1st Prize was awarded to Waqas Niazi from DMCS, 2nd Prize position was grabbed by Nishat from DCS&SE and 3rd Prize was taken by Waqas Razzaq from DCS&SE.

Social events winded up with another constructive activity hiking trip. Over 200 students took part in the hiking trip.

Social events were organized by a zealous team of student’s adviser office. Team has thanked the Student’s Adviser Dr. Tahir Khalily, Cultural Adviser to President IIUI Dr. Safeer Awan, Dean Faculty of Arabic Dr. M. Bashir, Dean FET, Chairman Dept. Media and Communication studies, Mr. Inam ur Rehman, Additional Students Adviser Dr. Abdul Qadir Haroon, Assistant director Coordination Mr. Ausaf Chaudhary and Mr. Muhammad Sheeraz , for support. Team has been admired by all the officials fir its admirable work. appreciated event management team for organizing 11 successful events and encouraged them to arrange these kind of activities in future also.

All Social Events were organized by the team of 14 persons including, Chairman Social Events Mr. Rooh ul Amen, Students Coordinator Mr. Arshad Mehmood, Consultant ADS Mr. Muhammad Waqas, Kamran Khan, Waqas Razzaq, Muzahir Mohsin, Fraz Javed , Daniyal Ali, Saad Gulzar, Osama Bin Tasneem, Waleed Ahmad, M Abdul Saad, Usman Bin Muhammad and Muhammad Danish.

Prize distribution ceremony was joined by Thai Ambassador to Pakistan Tomwit Jarnson as guest of honor. The ceremony also witnessed diplomats as guests from Malaysia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Palestine and many other countries while university officials including Vice President Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, Director General Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja, Director female campus Dr. Farkhanda Zia, Tasneem Fatima and many others joined the ceremony to encourage the talented students.

Competition of best stall in World Exhibition was won by Saudi Arabian students, Egypt stood second while Chinese students clinched third position. Another category, Best National Stall was won by the Sindhi students who had portrayed their culture and Sufi music in a captivating manner in the exhibition. Kashmiri students stood second while Punjabi students got third position.

“We worked hard on the theme of our stall and portrayed it with a touch of Sufi music, traditional costumes and cuisines; we are excited to win the contest” Said a student of Sindhi stall who was representing Sindhi culture at stall during exhibition.

Thai Ambassador said “world needs harmony, peace and unity of humans and IIUI cultural week provides an enormous platform to many countries of the world to work for this cause”. He added that as many as 79 Thai students studying at IIUI are being nurtured according to the contemporary requirements; they would also work as a bridge in expanding bilateral ties among both countries. Tomit Jarnson said Students have been impressive during all the activities and cultural week produced many sports players, writers, debaters and artists. He said activities such as IIUI cultural week help in character building of the students. He also congratulated the students on winning positions in competitions.

During the ceremony, a number of students were awarded with the prizes and shields who grabbed positions in curricular and extracurricular activities while the hall had become a hub of talented young minds as it was jam packed with presence of many talented students.

Dr. Bashir Khan said that IIUI was created to serve Ummah and it has been quite successful since its emergence as now more than 25 thousand students of 56 countries have been acquiring quality education according to Islamic teachings. “At IIUI, in scientific and other disciplines’, students getting education integrated with Islamic values which produce balanced professional personalities who , one day, would become a precious asset of Ummah”, Vice President IIUI said. “I have witnessed all 26 cultural weeks of IIUI, and I can confidently say that university is gaining momentum of progress day by day” Said Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja who is one of the veteran IIUI officials and DG (AF&P) of university.

Dr. Farkhanda Zia, in her vote of thanks, appreciated the hard work of IIUI officials to make the mega event successful. “We need to get united and walk with harmony for gaining strength, students and officials have proved this during cultural week” she said.

Student Advisor, in her address apprised about the activities of cultural week and lauded the work of staff who made this event successful, she also thanked distinguished guest from embassies for sparing time for the closing ceremony.

At the end, shields were presented to the Ambassador of Thailand and diplomats who attended the ceremony.

Ehsan ud Din, a Chinese student who performed “Lion Dance” told, “It took us weeks to practice the dance but we are happy that audience liked our performance”.

“We have been performing our traditional “SAMAN” for 2 years, which is being liked by the audience, we feel excited when people admire us” said a leader of a group of Indonesian students whom show was most liked during the cultural night.

Students were on their feet when fireworks and captivating performance by renowned Stage actor/host Masood Khwaja took place. Dr. Tahir Khalili Student Advisor (Male), Chairman Cultural committee Syed Inam ur Rehman, coordinators of the events Ausaf Chaudhry, Arshad Mehmood and guests and students of different countries also joined the mega night of 26th cultural week of IIUI. Pakistani Students from all provinces and students of various countries also portrayed their cultures in drams, skits, Qawalis, one man show, poetry recitation and anthems.

Performance of students of Shariah & Law was much appreciated by audience but most enjoyed moments by the students were when fire works took place to celebrate the Cultural Night of the mega event. Most awaited and captivating performance by Masood Ahmed Khwaja made the audience to applause for even minutes and ‘once more’ voices kept coming from audience after his performance.

“We are happy to make this cultural night a successful event, students have shown they have the potential and extraordinary talent which can pave the way to progress of Ummah” said Dr. Tahir Khalili while addressing to students.

IIUI cultural night has become recognition of the university and efforts of all the organizers and the students who participated actively are appreciable, Said Syed Inam ur Rehman.

A sufi Kalam to conclude the event, had a spell on audience while a shield to Masood Khwaja was presented at the end as well.

Vice President IIUI planted a tree in a ceremony at activity centre which was also attended by Director General IIUI Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja and Students’ Advisor Dr. Tahir Khalily.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bashir said trees are the protectors of environment and university can help to create awareness among the young minds in this regard. While talking about the cultural week of the university he said the event brings all the Muslim countries on a platform which is an omen of Muslim unity. He also lauded the active participation of the students in cultural week and appreciated the efforts of IIUI officials to make the event successful and remarkable.

As many as fifty stalls were set up by the students to represent cultures of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Turkey, China, Jordan, Bangladesh, Algeria, Indonesia, Oman, Palestine and many other countries, they made arrangements for various displays and cultural items. Students of Pakistani provinces and regions also set up separate stalls and displayed national outfits and traditional food.

The event was inaugurated by Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar as a chief guest in a prestigious ceremony which was also attended by Ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries including Afghanistan, Thailand, Nigeria, Oman, Iraq, and many other countries. Ceremony was also attended by the President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, Vice President IIUI Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, DG IIUI Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja, Director Female Campus Farkhanda Zia, Students’ Advisor Tasneem Fatima and Deans and directors of the university.

“IIUI is a true example of cultural diversity which every year provides enormous platform for multi cultural activities” Saira Afzal said. She added intolerance is a threat to peace and stability; we would have to increase tolerance level of youth. While lauding the theme of the cultural week “Youth, Peace and Harmony “, the federal state minister said “Youth can be utilized to disseminate and promote peace and such activities can guide young minds to work for maintaining culture of peace”. She said we have been victim of cultural invasion and Muslim way of life is fading out, our top priority must be Quran and Sunnah. Saira Tarrar, while talking about the women empowerment said, women can play vital role in the development of Ummah, they must be provided platforms to play their part within the limits prescribed by Islam.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh said IIUI is a global institution with an aim to nurture minds according to contemporary requirements integrated with teachings of Islam. “Doors of IIUI are wide open for daughters of Ummah, we would remain committed to serve Muslim world by providing quality education to the asset of Ummah”, he said. He emphasized on promotion of dialogue culture while narrating the importance of such activities of cultural diversity.

He was of the view that moderation was the salient feature to cope with the challenge of extremism.” We would have to cultivate the minds of youth with the blend of Islamic teachings as it is need of hour” President IIUI said.

Farkhanda Zia thanked the ambassadors and delegates while saying “Youth is future of Ummah”. She also congratulated the organizers and appreciated their cooperation and hard work to make the mega event a success. Tasneem Fatima also addressed the ceremony and apprised regarding the details of the cultural week activities.

Saira Afzal inaugurated the world exhibition and visited cultural stalls which were housed in individual tents, making it seem as though walking through the festival, one was moving in between countries.

Students were happy to receive ambassadors on their stalls and excitedly served traditional food and gifts to guests. A Chinese student Ku Ming was happy that their stall was one of the most visited among various. “I cooked all the food by myself and I am happy that Chinese cuisines are being liked by the visitors” She told.

Farah Naseem, a student of Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences said it was her first cultural week and she was excited to experience motley of cultures at one platform. “I am committed to take active part in next cultural week and would love to set up a memorable Punjabi stall” she said.

Celebrations of cultural week would continue till 25th of the month and a cultural evening is being organized for the female students on Friday while last activity of the mega event at female campus would be prize distribution ceremony in which female students who took positions in various competitions would be awarded.

The mega exhibition reflected the cultural diversity of the Muslim world and some other countries where students hailing from above 40 countries participated in the international exhibition to demonstrate their cultures, including dress, poetry, paintings, photographs, foods, art and literature.

A prestigious inauguration ceremony was held at new campus which was attended by Sardar Muhammed Yousaf, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, Nepal, Indonesia, Palestine, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia and many other countries. Ceremony was presided over by Rector IIUI Dr. Masoom Yasinzai while President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, Vice President Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan, Director General Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja, Students’ Advisor (Male) Dr. Tahir Khalili and IIUI officials also joined it.

Students from Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, China, Afghanistan, countries from ASEAN, SAARC and all the provinces of Pakistan set up their stalls and remained excited all the day while serving the visitors of the stalls.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Muhammed Yousaf said IIUI is like a bouquet decorated with different flowers in the form of students of various countries. He said that IIUI has been a source of recognition of the country all across the world. He assured all possible support from Govt of Pakistan to IIUI for launching its sub campuses and expanding its activities of quality education.

Federal Minister while lauding the support and cooperation of Saudi Arabia to IIUI said both nations have strong and exemplary bilateral relations which would keep expanding in the future. He added that university provided an enormous opportunity to the people of various countries to share cultures and understand each other which would help in promotion of mutual harmony among the people of different countries. Sardar Yousaf also lauded the hard work of the organizers of the event while saying, their efforts made it memorable.

The ceremony was also addressed by the Iraqi Ambassador Rushdi Al’aani who termed the youth as a ray of hope for Muslim World. He added that IIUI provided a unique platform to various Islamic countries to get together and set their priorities for the sake of education of their young minds.

Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, said in his speech that IIUI is working for a noble cause of educating and nurturing minds equipped with contemporary knowledge integrated with teachings of Islam. He added, IIUI is a prestigious institution working for promotion of quality education and its progress got pace after the keen interest in its matters from the side of President of Pakistan being the Chancellor of IIUI.

He also apprised the participants regarding the visits of senators and members of national assembly and also informed regarding the suggestions discussed such as formulation of a council which can propose possible solutions of prevailing problems to the government.

He urged the students to remain committed for acquiring knowledge and work for dissemination of peace and harmony. Rector IIUI also thanked Dr. Sulaiman Abdullah Aba Alkhail, Pro-Chancellor IIUI, for his support to IIUI.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh said in his speech that active participation of IIUI students made the mega event a success. He added that students of IIUI proved that young minds of Ummah are keen to promote peace and harmony. He termed the students as back bone of Ummah while saying the gathering represents the unity of Muslim World.

He urged the students to have guidance from Quran and Sunnah and set education as their top priority. He thanked all the delegates and the dignitaries for attending the event while saying their presence was an omen of Muslim unity.

Earlier, Dr. Tahir Khalili in his opening remarks briefed the audience about the details of the 26th cultural week and stressed upon the students to devote their lives for promotion of knowledge. He also thanked distinguished guests for attending the event.

After the inauguration ceremony, Rector and President IIUI visited the stalls where excited students served them food and gifts while they also felt honored for having photo session with the leadership of IIUI.

It is pertinent to mention that inauguration of cultural week and world exhibition at female campus will be held on March 20 while female campus will also hold cultural evening for the students on March 21 which will be graced by wife of the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Aljourah Abdullah A Alarifi and wife of President IIUI Mrs. Muzzna Qasim Al-Draiweesh.

Male campus will also hold like always most awaited event of male students (cultural night) on March 19 where talent of above 40 countries will be seen. A grand Mushaira will also be held on April 20 at the Faisal Mosque Campus of the university.

Closing ceremony of 26th cultural week at female campus would be held on March 25 in which the prizes will be given to the winning students of various competitions.

A group of 25-member Saudi delegates from Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University is also participating in the cultural week while Russian delegates have also reached to join IIUI cultural week celebrations.

Dr. Uzma Shaukat delivered brief account on the topic with the reference of science and emphasized the importance of healthy diet and exercise in daily routine. Mrs. Nazli Mansoor gave presentation on “eating trends in youth and healthy life style” with an Islamic point of view. She also sought support from Qurani ayats and Hadiths to elaborate the topic. She said health is indeed a favor that we take for granted so everybody should express gratitude to God for bestowing us with health and it’s our prior responsibility to look after it. At the end Dr. Farkhanda Zia presented souvenirs to the guest speakers and appreciate the supervisor of the seminar chairperson department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology Dr. Naveeda Riaz. At the end Dr. Naveeda Riaz gave a note of thanks to everyone.

The resource persons in an interactive discussion with the participants shed light on over view of qualitative and quantitative research, Key characteristics of Mixed Method design, steps, types and challenges in conducting mixed method study.

Deputy Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Samina Malik concluded the seminar, appreciated the resource persons and made the participants aware about focusing on quality research and importance of utilizing Mixed Method research design frequently.

Ms. Aqsa Arshad and Ms. Ismat Naeam lecturers Physics department were supervisors of the competition. 25 students from all faculties participated in the competition and displayed their creativity by using a variety of fresh flowers to win the competition.

The Judges and audience enjoyed and expressed felicitation and appreciated the performance of the Students. Ms. Sadia Nawaz, Ms. Saira Batool, Ms. Huma Butt, and Ms. Memmona Tariq from department of Sociology were the supervisors of the competition.

In her address Dr. Noreen said that as the Pakistani youth is 54% of its total population full of potential and abilities can change the destiny of the nation toward progress and prosperous country.

”According to south Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) terrorism in Pakistan has resulted in at least 326 fatalities, in the first month of 2014 “She added. Dr. Noreen further enriched the participant saying that Youth is to play a vital role to make country peaceful as the Pakistan is facing severe issues such as terrorism, economic crises, target killing and many others. She further said Pakistani youth can play a proactive role to combat terrorism.

Ms. Myra Imran said in her speech that terrorism is a major ill of our society. She further advanced in saying corruption, violence, lack of tolerance, education; slow justice, nepotism, and lack of leadership are those issues that provided to foreign actors to play. She further instigated student to come forward and play their active and positive role. In her remarks Dr. Zaitoon Begum appreciated the hard work department of Anthropology and efforts of Dr. Noreen Saher in organizing such an informative seminar to motivate students.

On the occasion Dr. Bashir expressed immense pleasure on the occasion and made very influential speech in which he termed student’s very valuable asset of the nation. He said a bright future of nation and Ummah is associated with the struggle and endeavors of the young blood. Dr. Bashir advised students to set their goals and destination very high and work hard to achieve it. He further stressed upon the need of active participation in healthy activities of sports. Dr. Bashir said sports activities play very pivotal role in the development of the character building and enhancing the personality making. He urged students to concentrate on positive sports activities to develop the milieu of harmony, progress, improvement and development among themselves.

Dr. Tahir Khalili appreciated the active participation of the students in different activities. He said the cooperation of the student would make the event memorable for all. He also expressed hope to decorate culture week up-to the mark. Manzoor Hussain presented complete report of sports activities and schedule of all the events. He also made participants aware about the progress and achievements of students which made in the competitions organized in different universities. Students from 9 faculties would participate in many sports competitions.

Dr Ikram Azam Co-Chairperson of Pakistan Futuristic Foundation and Institute (PFI) Islamabad was the resource person. He in his interactive and informative discussion enlightened the students about the importance of creativity and peace.

Dr. Ikram emphasized on creativity and stressed upon the need to create opportunities for youth to apply their creativity and passion to their work. He further added students are key figures to play a vital role in the society. He quoted the backdrop of 20th century and urged the audience to change the course of 21st century in favor of nation. Dr. Ikram advised the students to make stability and peace within self and among fellows, family members and society.

Professor Dr. N. B Jumani, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences expressed gratitude to the resource person and appreciated the organization of the seminar and accentuated the need of seminars to develop the peace among youth.

Earlier, Dr. Samina Malik Deputy Dean FSS and chairperson department of education welcomed the audience and also highlighted the importance of creativity and peace for youth.

Meanwhile Department of Psychology Female Campus organized a Cooking Competition. Wife of the president IIU Mrs. Muzzna Yousif Al-Draiweesh was the chief guest of this event. About 50 Students participated in salad making, while 40 students were participants in sandwich making competition. Dr. Shagufta Haroon Director Academics, Dr. Asia Khan Senior Medical Officer Female Campus and Ms. Tasneem Fatima Student Advisor Female Campus were the Judges of the competition. The competition was held under the supervision of Dr. Uzma Masroor and Ms. Rabia Mushtaq from Psychology department.

Another activity was Parliamentary style of Debate Competition which was organized by the department of Shariah and Law. The competition was judged by the Dr. Noor Fatima head of department Politics & IR, Ms. Kaukab Saba from department of English and Ms. Perveen Qadir Agha Ex- Director Female Campus. Large number of students participated in the competition; however the final round was between the teams of Shariah & Law and Politics and IR. Dr. Perveen Qadar Agha gave her concluding remarks and appreciated the event and spirit of the participants. She emphasized upon the contribution of extra-curricular activities towards a wholesome growth of the students.

The Ceremony was presided by the Assistant Sports Officer Nadia Mukhtar, Director Academics Shagufta Haroon, Students’ Advisor (Female) Tasneem Fatima and Chairpersons of all departments.

Being chief guest while addressing the ceremony, Mrs. Muzzna said Islam guides Muslims to maintain balance among all activities, which is very important for a balanced life. She advised that students should take interest in academic and physical exercise activities simultaneously for a positive development of their personalities. She assured support for university and its female students.

Tasneem Fatima thanked worthy guests, chairpersons and students for their participation and contribution in mega event. She said “gymnasium is especially dedicated to female students and we are happy to have this facility”. She also appreciated the active participation of students.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Academics motivated students to actively participate in Sports Gala. She thanked all the invited guests and participants for gracing the occasion by their solemn presence.

Female students from 9 faculties of university would take part in various sports competitions during Sports Gala.

About 15 groups of students from different faculties showed talent while presenting web designs in child abuse, interior decor, kid’s informational websites, health issues and Tourism activities in a competition held by Faculty of Management Sciences at FMS block. The Competition was held under the supervision of Ms. Kausar Khawaja head IT department FMS .Mr. Haseeb from IT department IIUI, Ms Perkha Khan from Quaid- e-Azam University Islamabad, Ms. Saira Hassan and Shehla were the Judges of this Competition.

In another competition of advertisement making titled “Say Yes to Peace Environment” was organized by faculty of management Sciences also where 5 teams composed of 3 to 5 students presented their ideas to a panel of judges. The ads were judged on the basis of their content, the quality of production and how well they had been edited.

Participants were admired and appreciated by the judges, they expressed immense pleasure that a terrific advertisement competition perfectly organized and supervised further more it was observed that this competition helped the students to pot rate their talent.

Meanwhile, a Calligraphy competition for students in connection with 26th IIUI cultural week was also organized at female campus by the departments of art and architecture and Urdu.
The competition was divided into 3 categories; Urdu, English and Arabic. Dr. Noor Fatima from Politics and IR department IIUI, Ms. Sidra Chaudry from Mass communication Department IIUI and Mr. Zarar Haider Babri from IIUI were the Judges of this competition.

The Competition was conducted in free medium of calligraphy and it was supervised by Ms. Atia Abrar from art and Architecture and Dr. Saira from Urdu Department. Judges said that competition aims to give a chance to female artists to come forward and show their talent and abilities.

In Hadith Memorization Quiz, which was organized by the Faculty of Islamic Studies (Usuluddin), 55 memorizers from different faculties of the University participated. Contest had 2 Levels first for memorization of 20 selected Ahadih and Second for memorization of 40 selected Ahadih; the program was attended by the large no of Audience. All the memorizers were highly appreciated by the judges and audience.

On the other hand, Faculty of Islamic Studies (Usuluddin) also arranged Inter faculty Serah Quiz in which 20 students from the faculty participated.

Meanwhile, female students showed their talent in sports Gala while taking part in table tennis competitions. Aiman Bint Asif from faculty of Shariah & Law clinched first position after beating Anum from Faculty of basic and Applied Sciences and Habiba from faculty of engineering and technology got third position in this competition. About 20 students from 9 faculties participated in this competition.

Nadia Mukhtar sports officer Female Campus while lauding the active participation of the students said students are taking keen interest in taking up table tennis as a sport and they are improving their game. She added that the International Islamic University Islamabad is organizing table tennis events on regular basis to engage the girls in competitive table tennis activities which are essential in order to polish the skills of the new talent.

In this connection, Art and Dramatic Society (ADS) International Islamic University Islamabad, in collaboration with Student Adviser Office (Male) of the university organized an event named AINA’14 Videography and Dramatic Competition which was won by Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences. Students from all faculties presented different dramas, documentaries, mimes and short films. 18 different teams participated in AINA’14.

Dr. Safeer Awan Cultural Adviser to President IIUI graced the event as Chief Guest while Student Adviser IIUI Dr. Tahir Khalili and Additional student adviser Dr. Abdul Qadir Haroon also joined the ceremony of results accouchement.

In female Campus, students participated in various activities which include Qirat competition, Dry Flower Arrangement competition, Hifz ul Quran competition, seminars and lectures.

35 students from all the faculties participated in Qirat competition which was organized by Faculty of Islamic Studies while department of sociology organized Dry Flower Arrangement competition where Director Female campus was the chief guest. Students from all faculties participated in the event and showed their talent.

On the other hand, lectures were also organized in the connection of 26th cultural week of IIUI which include a lecture organized by Department of Psychology on “Impact of self awareness on youth mind set” where Director Staff National Institute of Management, Peshawar Dr. javaed Iqbal delivered the lecture. It was attended by Dr. Seema Gul chairperson Psychology department and a large number of the students.

Cultural exhibitions of the 26th weeks would be held on March 18th at male campus while on March 19 female students would portray their cultures. Ceremonies on the both sides would be attended by the Ambassadors, High Commissioners and prominent social and political figures.