Govt encouraging such activities to promote peace: Mashood

Staff Report

LAHORE: Students from different countries and Pakistani universities set up a “Global Village” at Alhamara Cultural Complex with the objective to rediscover peace.
Daylong event arranged by Lahore chapter of AIESEC (international association of students of science, engineering and commerce) and Bargad Volunteers Network (BVN) in collaboration with Punjab Youth and Education Department was attended by more than 500 students from various universities including LUMS, PU, FAST, LSE, FCU and other educational institutions. Also, interns from Brazil, China, Palestine, Columbia, Philippine, Palestine, and Somalia set up stalls about their countries. In total, more than 15 countries introduction stalls were set up to tell the students about the countries. Students showcased culture of different countries on the stalls in which local students took lot of interest.
Punjab Youth Minister Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, in his message, said that the government was encouraging such activities to promote peace and diversity. He said it was important to involve youth in peace and diversity efforts and inviting students from different other countries to come to Pakistan and talk to Pakistani youth.  He said it was third such “global village” which was set up in collaboration with Bargad Volunteers Network and AIESEC local chapter.
Sabiha Shaheen, executive director Bargad NGO said that it was important to understand need of peace and diversity on the world, especially, Pakistan. She said these foreign students were brave to visit Pakistan at this difficult moment and security risk.
Umar Saif, chairman Punjab Information and Technology Board, addressing the students said country’s youth were agents of change in the society. He said such activities promote peace, dialogue, tolerance and diversity and bring different cultures together.
Wasma Imran, students at LUMS and vice president of Lahore chapter of AIESEC, said the Global Village was arranged by undergraduate and postgraduate students.