 Print
Fundraising dinner to support Namal University in Mianwali, Pakistan
12-21-2023
On Sunday December 10, 2023 -The Vancouver Chapter of Namal University in Mianwali, Pakistan hosted a fundraising dinner to support the ongoing costs of the University.
Namal University was established by the former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan in 2008. It is located in Punjab’s city of Mianwali. Namal Institute spreads over five acres by the Namal Lake on land donated by a local resident. The Namal institute was established with the sole purpose of providing technical education to the underprivileged youth of the district Mianwali to make them employable for self-sustenance. The university is affiliated with UK’s University of Bradford and in 2019 Namal was granted its current degree-awarding status.
For Imran Khan Namal was simple “If we are to have a balanced society, people must be provided with equal opportunities to grow and prosper in life. Availability of quality higher education creates such opportunities. If we make higher education available and affordable for our talented youth, it will lay the foundation for a vibrant and growing society, enabling us to stand amongst the leading nations. Namal Institute Mianwali is exactly that kind of equal opportunity for the marginalized rural youth.”
Namal Knowledge City's master plan, conceived by American architect Tony Ashai, reflects his extensive global experience. Born in Srinagar, Ashai completed postgraduation in architecture and urban design at the University of New York before establishing his own company in 1993 and later opening an office in Dubai in 2006. With a diverse portfolio spanning the UAE, KSA, Africa, India, and Pakistan, Ashai envisions Namal Knowledge City as a groundbreaking project. Beyond academic structures, the city will feature housing, shopping, recreational facilities, sports amenities, and a visitor's hotel. The plan also incorporates extensive walking trails in the nearby national park and water-related activities in Namal Lake, making it a unique and comprehensive campus on a global scale.
With over 300 people in attendance the event was well organized by Zafar Khan Niazi and his team.
The keynote speaker was Pakistani Senator Waleed Iqbal. Waleed is the grandson of Doctor Allama Iqbal. In his opening address, Waleed Iqbal emphasized the significance of education and shared insights into his grandfather's life and dreams. He spoke about his grand fathers personal history and described how a great and valuable education can transform not only a person's life, an individual's life but if God has blessed that individual with enough talent can transform the life of an entire community, an entire nation, and an entire set of followers all over the world. He said, “That's why I wanted to explain it to you. How I have ended up over here.”
MLA: Hon. Rachna Singh Minister of Education and Child Care was the chief guest at the event. She said thanked Senator Waleed and invited him to visit Victoria and “see our legislature as well. I would personally invite you for that.” She said educating our younger women, we are not just just teaching one child, we are teaching the whole clan.”
“So I really hope that enough funds are raised each and the dream that Imran Khan Sahib had with the Namal University gets fulfilled. But I want to say one thing about the Pakistani community here in British Columbia. They are the backbone they are our community; they are the backbone of our, of our community here.
And from coast-to-coast Pakistani community and what especially the Muslim community has done for our Canada we are immensely grateful for that. And especially with the tough times that we are going through, what is happening in Gaza, in Palestine, and I stand in solidarity with all of you.
And I just wanted to mention that you are not alone in this. And I personally wholeheartedly say that, that a ceasefire should happen so that genocide that is occurring today in Gaza that can be stopped.
Education is the key, Without education we are not able to do the critical thinking. I encourage everybody who's sitting here to donate, but also raise your voice for the issues that matter. Advocate. Advocate. Thank you so much.”
Renowned actor Mr. Nabeel played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts, collecting over $128,500 in collections and pledges contributing to the cause. The timeless Gazal maestro, Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, captivated the audience with his soulful melodies, adding a touch of musical brilliance to the event.
For more information contact by email namalvancouver@gmail.com
Footnotes:
|