Nine Pakistani students win honours in Istanbul's prestigious MUN competition

Nine Pakistani students emerged victorious in their respective committees, winning distinguished awards in Turkey’s largest public speaking competition – the Istanbul University Model United Nations (IUMUN) – held from July 8 to 11, according to a statement issued by Pakistan Consulate General in Istanbul.

The Consul General hosted a group of 13 students who participated in the event at Istanbul University. The team, selected from Bay View Academy, Nixor O’Levels, Karachi Grammar School, and The Cedar School, represented some of Pakistan’s brightest young minds.

Established in 1453, the competition is one of the largest public speaking moots in Europe, featuring 57 disciplines and attracting 10,000 students from 143 countries. Notable alumni of Istanbul University include former Turkish President Abdullah Gul and former Turkish Foreign Minister Taran Gunes.

This year, the competition hosted over 750 students from more than 17 countries. The Pakistani team, some of the youngest participants, competed against college and university-level students in four days of intense debates across 10 committees.

Consul General Nauman Aslam hosted the Pakistani team and their trainer at the consulate, congratulating them on their achievements. He emphasised the importance of cultural and educational exchanges between Pakistan and Turkey, highlighting the role of such events in projecting Pakistan’s positive image abroad.