By: Aziz ur Rehman
It was the evening of April 15. While returning from the office, the unusual hustle and bustle near the main gate of Allama Iqbal Open University caught my attention and made me pause. Behind the Gateway Block, vibrant tents were being set up in an open field, and enthusiastic young people were actively engaged. My journalistic curiosity drew me in that direction. Upon closer look, I discovered that the “Education Expo 2025” was set to be held the next day, and the preparations were being supervised by Dr. Saima Nasir, Additional Director at the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC). Under her leadership, the team was working like a well-driven mission.
By the morning of April 16, the university had truly transformed into a hub of knowledge, innovation, and activity. Colorful stalls, beautifully designed tents, and the passionate enthusiasm of students created an atmosphere reminiscent of an academic festival. The Expo was officially inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, who cut the ribbon. He was accompanied by Registrar Raja Umar Younis, Deans, faculty members, and other senior officials. The Vice Chancellor visited various stalls, interacted with participants, appreciated their efforts, and gave special recognition to the ORIC team.
Interestingly, to encourage the participants, the Vice Chancellor himself joined a lucky draw, pulled out a 100-rupee note, and bought a ticket—an act symbolizing simplicity, sincerity, and determination.
Later, as part of the “Green Pakistan Campaign,” a tree was planted on the university grounds to promote environmental consciousness. Numerous universities, technology companies, and industrial institutions from across the country participated in this academic fair. Each stall appeared to open a door to a new world, offering not only educational guidance and career counseling but also opportunities for modern skills development and scholarships.
Teachers and administrators called this Expo a “historic success,” while students described it as a powerful experience that provided knowledge, confidence, and direction for their futures. One student remarked that the Expo was a convergence of learning, guidance, and self-confidence. Throughout the day, students from local schools, colleges, and universities attended in large numbers, eagerly participating in various academic and co-curricular activities.
At one stall, schoolchildren presented a captivating cultural program, performing national songs and folk melodies in various regional languages of Pakistan, adding to the excitement and energy of the event.
The guest of honor at the closing ceremony was Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan (CEO, Centaurus), who praised the passion of the youth and said, “We must carve our own paths. Rather than going abroad, it’s better to start small businesses here. Think new, do new.” He congratulated Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood on the successful organization of the Expo and encouraged youth toward startups. He emphasized that such events not only provide direction to the younger generation but also serve as a guarantee for their bright futures.
In the end, institutions, participants, and students who showed outstanding performance were awarded certificates of appreciation and shields. In this way, the Expo established a strong tradition of promoting knowledge, research, and creativity.
But the story of the day ended with an unexpected twist. As the ceremony concluded, a sudden hailstorm began. Ice pellets poured from the sky, and participants rushed to their vehicles. But I stood still—because I am an ordinary, unknown, laboring journalist. For me, the “news” was more important than the weather. Amidst the intense hail, drenched, shivering, and wounded, I ran toward the office, determined not to miss the deadline. The hailstones were excruciating, my clothes soaked, my body bruised—but my heart was content because I was delivering the news on time.
When I reached the office and looked at myself in the mirror—injured, exhausted, yet elated—I felt a deep sense of certainty in my heart: I truly am passionate about my work.
It is also essential to mention that under the wise leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, the atmosphere of the university has completely transformed. In just two short years, the institution has become a vibrant center of academic, research, literary, and cultural activities. Now, the university’s environment is filled daily with the echoes of some academic, intellectual, or cultural event. This was the second Education Expo held in the past two years, and both events were remarkable in their grandeur and success. Without a doubt, Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood deserves heartfelt congratulations for transforming the university into a hub of academic excellence.
I visited the Expo eight times—and each time, I discovered something new and exciting. Every time, I found the ORIC team in action. The real architects of this success are Additional Director Dr. Saima Nasir, Senior Research Officer Jameela Ahmed, Manager Research Operations Muhammad Mushtaq, and Research Assistant Owais Ashraf. Their hard work and dedication are truly commendable.
