Visa delays ruin Swabi youth’s Asia Science Camp dream

Pakistan Science Foundation unable to obtain clearance in time

ISLAMABAD: The euphoria over his selection as a Pakistani delegate, one among four at the 11th session of the Asian Science Camp was short-lived for Amir Naveed.

The engineering student from the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), after clearing all the tests and interviews, was to represent the country at the ongoing competition in Bengaluru but could not join his fellows because of Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF)’s ‘mismanagement’.

“For me, it was like a dream come true. It was the first time, I was selected for a foreign trip and was excited to represent Pakistan at an event where Nobel Laureates and distinguished scientists had to speak,” said Naveed.

Though he submitted his documents along with the other three participants in June, Naveed received his visa at the last moment and could not make the necessary arrangements.

The visas were issued to the participants on August 23 and were told they would leave for India on August 24.

“Being a student, it was impossible for me to arrange my travel expense which was over Rs40,000  on such short notice and to travel to Lahore,” he said. He held PSF officials responsible for missing the opportunity to travel to India.

Talking to The Express Tribune, PSF spokesperson Rehana Batool explained that travelling to India from Pakistan was not easy as it is a lengthy process.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2016.