Arts and painting competition: ‘Seminary students should be encouraged to foster talent’

Over 40 students participated in painting, embroidery contests

PESHAWAR: Students at seminaries have limited opportunities to hone their talent and need to be encouraged to excel in their fields of interests.

Peace Education and Development Executive Director Sameena Imtiaz shared these views while speaking at an arts and painting competition held in the city on Sunday. The initiative was organised by PEAD Foundation in collaboration with Unicef Pakistan. The competition was held under ‘Strengthening Social Cohesion and Resilience through Educational Initiatives’.

It was aimed at strengthening ties between seminary students and children from other schools.



“If they are provided with opportunities, they can contribute towards development and prosperity of the country,” Imtiaz said.

Over 40 students participated in fabric painting and embroidery contests.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Rubina, a seminary student who hailed from Swat, said, “I am excited and interested to learn new skills [through this competition].”

A seminary head Noor Mahal lauded the organisation’s efforts to hold the event.  “The project is helping the underprivileged class of society as the government and NGOs have failed to take measures for the betterment of seminary students,” she said. “It is for the first time that PEAD invited us to take part in the competition.”

At the end of the event, prizes were distributed among the position holders and other participants by ANP leader Jamila Gillani, who was the chief guest on the occasion.

“We have been labelled as extremist and we have to remove this label [at all costs],” she said. “Through these activities, we will show the world that we are not extremists.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th,  2016.