FJMU AT INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CONVENTION BY PHEC: Punjab higher education commission hosted 1st International student convention at Faletti’s Hotel, on 17 May 2023.

There were various universities present there, represented by their Vice Chancellors, Rectors and faculty with international students from more than 20 countries. Team FJMU, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor FJMU Prof Khalid Masud Gondal presented foreign students being supervised by

Prof Dr Bilquis Shabbir, Chairperson Medicine/Dean Nursing/Director QEC, FJMU. They were accompanied by Dr Naghmana, HOD Physiology ,, Dr Saira Munawar, Associate Prof Anatomy and Dr Asma, A/P Physiology. 23 countries were represented by 31 students : Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, Indian Occupied Kashmir, Canada, Australia, Srilanka, USA,UK . They were warmly welcomed by the host Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission. Governor of Punjab, Mr Baligh Ur Rehman, was the Chief Guest of the occasion

The convention commenced with the national anthem followed by panel discussion of various university representatives on “Internationalization of Higher Education ” Prof Bilquis Shabbir representing FJMU, emphasised that Global learning environment can be achieved by having international Student and faculty exchange programmes improving knowledge and skills by peer learning, this would enhance service delivery and research opportunities. Our government policies encourage such endeavours and help and support to facilitate and host the international students, for example, by resolving visa related issues and providing various scholarships.

At the end of the session, all the dignitaries were presented shields by Governor of Punjab, including FJMU, which was received by Prof Bilquis Shabbir on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof Khalid Masud Gondal .

This was followed by another panel discussion of international students of various universities discussing their experiences, difficulties and pros and cons of studying in universities in Pakistan

FJMU was represented by our Afghani student, Miss

Amina Mohammdi who shared her pleasant experience of studying and living in Pakistan and especially at FJMU.

We were elated to hear her words of appreciation in regards of hospitality, facilities, support, and learning and research opportunities for FJMU.

This was followed by beautiful performances by international students of various universities.

Our students from Afghanistan, Indian occupied Kashmir and Nepal performed well not only representing their own countries but also FJMU exhibiting the diverse rich culture of their countries and intercultural environment of FJMU. All students received certificate of appreciation for their performance from Minister of Higher Education

The Governor of Punjab visited stalls of various countries….

The beauty of this was that at each country’s stall, there was representation of students from different universities, showcasing their culture.

The governor Punjab at FJMU stall, he was pleased to see that about 90 international students are currently enrolled at FJMU from 25 different countries. He appreciated the students and was presented a set of Vanguard, Journal of FJMU, brochures of FJMU as souvenir by Prof Bilqus Shabbir.

Faculty of FJMU including Prof Naghmana, Dr Saira Munawar and dr Asma were there to support and facilitate our international students at this event.

We are grateful to Mrs Roohi, Mr Usman, Mr Mohsin and all the administrative staff for setting up a beautiful academic stall of FJMU at the international Convention of Punjab Higher Education Commission.