A 21-member group of Pakistani students recently represented Pakistan at the Istanbul University Model United Nations (IUMUN), the largest public speaking and debate competition in Türkiye. The event took place from July 16 to July 18, 2025, at Istanbul University and attracted more than 700 students from over 19 countries, along with many local students from Türkiye.
The Pakistani delegation included students from several well-known schools, such as Bay View Academy, Karachi Grammar School, Lahore Grammar School, Nixor College, and The Cedar School. Despite being among the youngest participants—many still in high school—they competed against older university and college-level students from around the world.
During the three-day event, students took part in intense debates across 10 different committees, discussing a range of international issues, much like what happens in the actual United Nations. Out of 8 main committees in the conference, Pakistani students received awards in 4 of them.
Two students, Ahmed Naseem Kharal and Yahya Jamali, were honored with the Outstanding Diplomacy Award, recognizing their excellent debating, teamwork, and diplomatic skills. Three other students—Ayla Tariq, Muntaha Kamran, and Waniya Umair—earned Honorable Mentions for their strong contributions in their respective committees.
The conference was hosted by Istanbul University, one of the oldest and most respected universities in Europe. Founded in 1453, the university has 57 departments and more than 10,000 students from 143 different countries. It has produced several famous alumni, including former Turkish President Abdullah Gül and former Foreign Minister Turan Güneş.
The achievements of these young Pakistani students at such a high-level international platform reflect their talent, confidence, and growing presence in global academic and diplomatic circles. Their success has brought pride to Pakistan and shown that age is no barrier when it comes to making a meaningful impact on the world stage.
