Abbottabad – Beyond the Headlines

Successful visit of 17-Member Delegation of

Youth from Sri Lanka

Much is being said and talked about Abbottabad these days in print and electronic media. Little does the world know that this city of pines and lofty mountains is well known for its high quality educational institutions and is regarded as the hub of cultural, educational and literary activities.

One example of these activities is the initiative of Youth Exchange Program, taken by Modernage Public School and College, Abbottabad in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad and the Foreign Office of Pakistan. The school played host to a 17 member youth delegation from Sri Lanka from 30^th May to 8^th June 2011. The delegation visited places of historical, educational and cultural importance.

For the first three days, the youth stayed in Islamabad. During these days they did paragliding at Chakwal, visited the historical site of Raj Katas, Taxila Museum, Julian Monastery, Kallar Kahar, the Qarshi Industries (Pvt) Ltd, and also the Parliament of Pakistan where they were given a graceful reception by the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Mr. Jan Muhammad Jamali. On the fourth day they left for Abbottabad and reached the Modernage Boys College in the evening of 1^st June. Here they were received warmly by the students and staff of Modernage. While in Abbottabad, the delegation studied the educational system of Pakistan by visiting the Abbottabad Public School and College, the COMSATS University, The Women Medical College and two campuses of Modernage Public School. A grand Cultural Evening was hosted in the honour of the delegation. It was attended by almost four hundred people belonging to different walks of life. The Chief Guest of the evening was the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Air Marshal (R) Jayalath Weerakkody and the guest of Honour was Hon Syed Aqil Shah, Minister of Youth Affairs from KPK.

A press conference was also arranged before the program so that the world may see the true face of Abbottabad that lies beyond the headlines. In Abbottabad, the stay was arranged at The North Heaven Hotel. The delegation also visited The Pak-Irish Rehabilitation Center where they were briefed about the National Plan of Action for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. They also played a friendly cricket match with a cricket team of students from Abbottabad. The delegation was also given a taste of the adventure sports in Pakistan. In collaboration with the Adventure Foundation Pakistan, a training regarding tent pitching, stream crossing, knots, etc was arranged. After the training the delegation went for a jungle walk on the famous pipeline of Doonga Gali. The stayed the night at the Youth Hostel in Khanaspur ( Ayubia).

One of the most exciting visits was to the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. Here the delegation was briefed about the rigorous training that cadets undergo before they become commissioned officers. The delegation spent one day in the historical city of Peshawar as well. There they visited The University of Peshawar, The Peshawar Museum and also met the Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon Syed Aqil Shah. On the last day the group filled out feedback forms that were filled by words of praise and love for the people of Pakistan. With tearful eyes the delegation departed. Our heads are high today when we think that the people of Sri Lanka were here to stand by us when we had many a challenges to face. It was all the more important for the people of Pakistan in general and Abbottabad in particular to feel that this city is a city of peace loving people who have lived in peace ever since its creation and never in its history has been a single incident that can be seen as a mark of shame and dishonor. The people of Abbottabad plead to the world not to call it the hometown of a person who did not belong here. Abbottabad is a pride for its residents. The people here are known for their hospitality and kindness. The presence of our Sri Lankan brethren here affirmed our beliefs. Great efforts were put in to make this exchange program a memorable experience for the participants. Special thanks is extended to Dr Muhammad Tariq from the Foreign Office of Pakistan for all the pains that he took for giving a third dimension to our otherwise very simple program. Also thanks is extended to Mr. Menik Bandara and Air Chief Marshal (R) Mr. Jayalath Weerakkody from the High Commission of Sri Lanka for placing great trust in us. We hope that in future too such programs will be arranged.