A delegation of Afghan students from different Universities that participated in CRSS’ Afghan Studies Center’s Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogues and Workshops met Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua yesterday. Last month on February 28, these students had met with the National Security Advisor who had been invited as the Chief Guest in CRSS’ Pak-Afghan Youth Alumni Cultural Get Together along with Afghan Ambassador Dr. Omar Zakhilwal.
NSA warmly welcomed the students and said that Pakistan considers Afghanistan as a brother and believes that both the countries share a common future. “you all are dear to us as our own sons and daughters”, he said. NSA highlighted the strengths of both the countries which for the time being are unfortunately overshadowed by the events which are neither the making of Pakistan nor Afghanistan; 1979 and 9/11 but both the countries continue to suffer. NSA reiterated that the youth of both the countries should join hands and step forward for strengthening the trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Together they should march towards peace essentially needed to stabilize the region. The students appreciated the positive approach of Pakistan towards Afghanistan and also for awarding scholarships to the Afghan students. They also expressed satisfaction over their stay in Pakistan. Alongside they also discussed different problems they are faced with while studying in Pakistan with regards to syllabus, medium of instruction, promotion criterion and stipend etc.
NSA assured the students that their concerns will be addressed by the relevant authorities and stressed the need of designing a comprehensive policy for Afghan students studying in Pakistan to ensure that scholarships awarded by the Government are effectively utilized.
