Lahore, A delegation of 15 Afghan students from the Centre for Security, Strategy and Policy Research at the University of Lahore visited the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS) at the University of the Punjab on Friday, December 15, 2023. The visit aimed to foster understanding and collaboration between the students of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to University of the Punjab, the Afghan delegation, led by Dr. Rabia Akhtar, Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy, and Policy Research at the University of Lahore, was warmly received by Dr. Naheed S. Goraya, Director of CSAS. In her welcome address, Dr. Goraya emphasized the importance of societal, cultural, and educational collaboration between Pakistan and Afghanistan for progressive development.

The Afghan students engaged in a lively discussion about their perceptions of Pakistan, its culture, people, and food. They expressed concerns about the communication gap between the peoples of the two nations and showed keen interest in faculty and student exchange programs. Notably, two female students from the delegation spoke about the challenges Afghan women face in accessing education in Afghanistan, highlighting the need for more inclusive policies.

The students suggested that Pakistan, along with other Muslim countries, should advocate for the Afghan government to ease restrictions on women’s education and uphold their fundamental rights. The interactive session was attended by various faculty members and students from different departments at the University of the Punjab, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.