PROVINCE REPORT
KHANASPUR, GALIYAT: Women University Mardan (WUM) and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) have successfully concluded a two-day International Art, Design and Cultural Heritage Conference in Khanaspur, Galiyat, bringing together scholars, academics, researchers, artists and cultural practitioners from Pakistan and abroad.
The second day of the conference focused on “Performance, Live Arts, Fashion & Textile, Literature and Poetry,” featuring international keynote addresses by Dr. Alberto from Peru and Dr. Aykut Kismir from Türkiye, alongside technical sessions on art, culture, fashion, textiles, literature and poetry.
A technical session on Performance and Live Art was chaired by Dr. Gulzar Jalal and Dr. Raffat Dar, with Dr. Sohail serving as co-chair.
The conference featured research presentations on diverse aspects of art and cultural heritage, including “A Continuum of Memory: 80 Years of Art in Pakistan as Curatorial Dialogue,” “Historical Evolution of Indian Musicology from Early Stone Age to Present Era,” “Irani Art Documentary” and “100 Years of Pashto Drama.”
Dr. Bakht Zada Danish, Head of the Department of English at the University of Sheringal, captivated the audience with recitations from his poetic collection.
The technical session on Fashion and Textile Design, Literature and Poetry was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal, Vice Chancellor of AJK University, while Dr. Sumaira Jawad served as co-chair.
A key highlight of the conference was the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Dosti Welfare Organization and AWKUM, AJK University and AWKUM, and AJK University and WUM, aimed at promoting institutional collaboration. Two books authored by Gen. Farrukh Seir were also launched on the occasion.
The closing ceremony was attended by former Commissioner Mardan Javed Khan Marwat as chief guest, while Bilal Sethi participated as guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Javed Khan Marwat appreciated the organisers for arranging the event and highlighted the importance of such forums in promoting academic and cultural exchange.
AWKUM Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Jamil Ahmad also addressed the ceremony, appreciating the collaborative efforts of both universities in organising the international conference.
In her vote of thanks, WUM Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana expressed gratitude to the chief guest, guest of honour, distinguished guests, speakers, partner institutions, organisers and participants for their valuable contributions.
Emphasising social responsibility, Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana urged people to “start giving, rather than waiting to be given,” highlighting the role of knowledge, service and creativity in contributing to society and the country.
The conference concluded with an emphasis on academic dialogue, cultural exchange, artistic expression and stronger institutional partnerships.
