Debate grows over inter-cultural harmony club at varsities

Baloch students studying at universities in Faisalabad have expressed disappointment over what they described as the slow implementation of an initiative aimed at promoting inter-provincial harmony and mainstream integration of students from Balochistan.

The initiative was jointly launched during Ramazan by former Faisalabad commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar in collaboration with the administrations of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Government College University Faisalabad to foster cultural understanding, tolerance and interaction among students from different provinces.

Speaking to reporters, Zubair Baloch, a student from Jaffarabad studying at UAF, said he was unaware of any practical progress regarding the proposed Inter-Cultural Harmony Club at the university.

He said an iftar dinner had been organised for Baloch students during Ramazan where officials discussed a phase-wise programme to improve interaction and cultural integration.

However, after students returned from their hometowns following university closures, no visible inter-cultural sessions or activities had been arranged.

"We want authorities to move beyond announcements and implement activities on the ground," he said. Another student, Nabeel Afzal Baloch from Barkhan, shared similar concerns and said he had not witnessed any active bridge-building or cultural engagement initiatives after Ramazan.

However, Mir Karam Ali, a final-year agriculture student from Nasirabad division, said the university had taken steps to establish the Inter-Cultural Harmony Club and was working to revive its activities.

Former commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar, currently serving as Secretary Communication and Works Punjab, said the initiative aimed to encourage interaction among students from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

"Students often remain confined within their own ethnic groups. Our objective is to integrate them into the mainstream so that mutual understanding can grow," he said.

He added that several cultural programmes had been planned, including participation in Arts Council festivals where students from different provinces would showcase their traditions, handicrafts and cultural heritage.