On Wednesday in Islamabad, Rector National University of Modern Languages, Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani, met Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi to discuss deeper cooperation on languages and culture.
Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral collaboration between the National Heritage and Culture Division and NUML in language promotion, cultural exchange, academic cooperation and joint cultural initiatives, highlighting the university’s capacity to support national cultural goals through education and research.
The Rector briefed the Federal Minister on NUML’s academic and institutional functions and underlined the university’s intention to play an active role in shaping and implementing policies that preserve linguistic diversity. The focus on Languages and Culture was emphasised as central to future joint programmes and outreach activities.
NUML is exploring options to acquire land or rent a building in Gilgit Baltistan to extend its educational services to the region, and currently about 9,000 students receive free education across NUML campuses. The Rector noted that NUML operates as a welfare-oriented institution, generates its own funds to meet financial needs, and that the Chief of Defence Forces serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors.
In line with the institutional direction, the university plans to rename its Languages Department to Languages & Culture at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting scheduled for the end of January 2026. NUML also organises an annual Summer Gala every April where students showcase native cultures to preserve and promote local languages and traditions.
The Rector expressed a desire to launch a cultural programme in collaboration with the National Heritage and Culture Division to introduce students to Pakistan’s regional cultures and to raise cultural awareness. Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi welcomed the proposal and suggested a Cultural Event Week at NUML, similar to Lok Mela, to be held in April, bringing artisans, crafts and cultural exhibits from across the country to engage students with museums, arts and traditional craftsmanship.
The Federal Minister also informed the Rector that the National Heritage and Culture Division organised 31 programmes related to Marka-e-Haq during August. Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani was present during the meeting.
