In Islamabad on December 31, 2025, the Rector of the National University of Modern Languages met with the Federal Minister for the National Heritage and Culture Division to discuss deepening cooperation in language promotion and cultural exchange. The meeting focused on academic collaboration, joint cultural initiatives and practical steps to bring cultural programmes to students across the country.
Major General (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani briefed the Federal Minister on NUML’s institutional functions and its role in supporting national cultural policies through education, research and outreach. He noted that NUML operates as a welfare-oriented institution, generating its own funds to meet financial requirements, and that the Chief of Defence Forces serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors.
The Rector outlined plans to expand NUML’s reach, including exploring options to acquire land or rent a building in Gilgit-Baltistan to extend educational services to the region. He also highlighted that around 9,000 students currently receive free education across NUML campuses, underscoring the university’s social mission. The university intends to reflect the close link between language and heritage by proposing to rename its Languages Department Languages & Culture at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting at the end of January 2026.
Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the National Heritage and Culture Division and NUML in language promotion, cultural exchange and academic cooperation. The Rector proposed a collaborative cultural programme to introduce students to Pakistan’s regional cultures and raise cultural awareness, building on NUML’s annual April Summer Gala where students present native cultural performances and traditions.
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi welcomed the initiative and suggested organising a Cultural Event Week at NUML in April, modelled on Lok Mela, to bring artisans, crafts and cultural exhibits from across the country to campus. The Minister also informed the Rector that the National Heritage and Culture Division ran 31 programmes related to Marka-e-Haq during August. Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani, attended the meeting, which set a practical roadmap for future events and academic partnerships that will strengthen NUML culture work nationwide.
