- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP):Rector National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani called on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, on Wednesday to discuss matters of mutual interest and avenues for collaboration in the fields of language and culture.
During the meeting, both sides discussed and agreed on strengthening bilateral collaboration between the National Heritage and Culture Division and NUML in the areas of language promotion, cultural exchange, academic cooperation, and joint cultural initiatives.
The Rector briefed the Federal Minister on the academic and institutional functions of NUML and highlighted the university’s potential role in supporting national cultural policies through education, research, and outreach programmes.
Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani shared that NUML is exploring options to acquire land or rent a building in Gilgit-Baltistan to extend its educational services to the region. He further stated that currently around 9,000 students are receiving free education across NUML campuses.
The Rector emphasized that NUML operates as a welfare-oriented institution and generates its own funds to meet financial requirements. He also noted that the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) is the Chairman of the Board of Governors (BOG) NUML, and in line with his vision recognizing languages as an integral part of culture the university plans to rename its Languages Department as “Languages & Culture” in the upcoming BOG meeting scheduled for the end of January 2026.
He added that NUML organizes an annual Summer Gala every April, where students showcase their native cultures. The objective of this initiative, he said, is to preserve and promote local cultures and languages across Pakistan.
The Rector expressed his desire to launch a cultural programme at NUML in collaboration with the National Heritage and Culture Division, aimed at introducing students to Pakistan’s diverse regional cultures and raising cultural awareness.
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi appreciated the initiative and suggested organizing a Cultural Event Week at NUML, similar to Lok Mela, to be held in April. He said that artisans, crafts, and cultural exhibits from across the country could be brought to the university to educate students about Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, museums, arts, and traditional craftsmanship.
The Federal Minister also informed the Rector that the National Heritage and Culture Division had organized 31 programmes related to Marka-e-Haq during August.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani, was also present during the meeting.