PESHAWAR: The Grand Alumni Homecoming of the University of Peshawar, the oldest seat of higher learning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, proved to be a platform for those who graduated over the institution’s 75-year history to reconnect.
Graduates from the earliest batches to the most recent ones seized the opportunity to meet and share memories. The attendance was encouraging, and the arrangements were impressive.
Around 600 graduates had registered for the event, and slightly more than the registered number turned up, making it a memorable occasion.The spacious lawn outside the historic administration block had been transformed into the venue. The illuminated building, adjacent lawns, and makeshift canopy added to the beauty of the surroundings.
The programme featured a few speeches but focused largely on performances and memory-sharing. Guests were served sweets, jalebi and gajrela , along with traditional Qehwa prepared on the spot. Babar Saleem Swati, Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and an alumnus of the Geology Department, served as the chief guest.
Several participants were invited to deliver brief speeches, including University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jauhar Ali, former chief secretary Arbab Shehzad, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Alumni Association President Amjad Ali Arbab and others.
Announcements were made by various alumni for the well-being of the university, the promotion of alumni reunions, and support for students.Mohsin Aziz announced 50 scholarships for deserving students. The Alumni Association also announced the launch of a digital portal aimed at strengthening the association, organizing future events, collecting donations and scholarships, and contributing to the uplift of their alma mater.
The digital platform is designed to connect alumni worldwide and support mentorship, scholarships, institutional development, and long-term engagement.The university also introduced the University Alumni Support Programme, aimed at mobilizing alumni contributions for scholarships, research support, student development activities, and campus improvement. Several alumni pledged further support in the form of internships, placements, industry collaborations, and academic partnerships.
The Bank of Khyber and Defence Housing Authority announced donations of Rs0.5 million each for the association.Various departments have already established their own alumni associations. “We have already set up an alumni association at the Department of Pharmacy. It strengthens engagement between current students and former graduates who are now serving in various capacities across the world,” said Dr Fazle Nasir.
“This is a very good step taken by the university to reconnect old graduates with the institution and its young students. A similar gathering was organised in 2019, and this one has been held after a six-year gap. I wish such gatherings took place annually,” he added.
Shazia Hina, a 1997 graduate from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, was happy to have the opportunity to meet her teachers and former classmates. She said such events are deeply nostalgic.