IMRAN AFRIDI
JAMRUD The Criminology Summer School 2026 commenced on 11th August 2026 at the BaraGali Summer Campus, University of Peshawar, bringing together 60 student delegates and faculty members from universities across Pakistan for six days of academic engagement, professional interaction, field exposure, and cultural exchange.
The inaugural session brought together distinguished guests, including Dr. Ikramullah, Vice Chancellor, University of Hazara, as Chief Guest; Dr. Basharat Hussain, Chairman, Department of Criminology, University of Peshawar; Mr. Umair Khan, DIG, Prison Department, Hazara Region; Prof. Dr. Rasul Khan, Chairman, Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar; Prof. Dr. Shuja Ahmed, Chairman, Department of Philosophy, University of Peshawar; and Madam Shagufta Gul, UN Women. The opening ceremony concluded with the presentation of shields to the distinguished guests and a group photograph of the participants and faculty.
The programme then moved beyond the classroom. Day Two featured an excursion to the Dunga Gali Pipeline Track, providing participants an opportunity for informal interaction and recreation amid the natural surroundings of the Galiyat.
The third day, held on 13th August, returned to academic engagement at the BaraGali campus. The session was attended by Mr. Tajik Sohail Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Communication, Islamabad, as Chief Guest, along with Mr. Nasir Mehmood Setti, DIG, Hazara Region; Dr. Waseem Khan, Chairman, Department of Criminology, University of Malakand, Chakdara; and Mr. Waleed Ahmad, Faculty Member, Minhaj University Lahore. Following the session, shields were presented to the guests, while participants later took part in a hiking activity along the local BaraGali track.
Independence Day marked the fourth day of the programme, combining national celebrations with educational and cultural activities. The day began with a flag-hoisting ceremony and cake cutting at the campus, followed by an educational visit to the Frontier Force (FF) and Baloch Mess in Abbottabad. Participants were briefed on the history and significance of the site, while distinguished faculty members paid tribute to the Shuhada by presenting flowers and offering prayers in their honour. The visit concluded with lunch at Baloch Mess before the participants returned to BaraGali.
The evening brought a cultural dimension to the programme as participants took part in Cultural Night, presenting their respective cultures through traditional attire and performances. The gathering concluded with dinner, providing participants and faculty an opportunity to interact in a more informal setting.
The six-day programme concluded on 15th August 2026 with a closing ceremony at the BaraGali Summer Campus. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Johar Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar, as Chief Guest; Dr. Jehanzeb Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology Bannu; Dr. Anwar Alam, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peshawar; Dr. Basharat Hussain, Chairman, Department of Criminology, University of Peshawar; and Dr. Waheed Abbasi, Chairman, Department of Criminology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of shields to the distinguished guests and distribution of certificates among participants in recognition of their successful completion of the Summer School. The programme concluded with a group photograph, formally bringing to an end six days that combined academic learning with field exposure, professional interaction, recreation, and cultural exchange.
The Criminology Summer School 2026 provided participants from across Pakistan with an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives within the field of criminology while developing professional connections and gaining exposure beyond the conventional classroom setting.
