21/09/2026
Women University Mardan and AWKUM Conclude Two-Day International Art Design and Cultural Heritage Conference in Galiyat
KHANASPUR, GALIYAT, September 20, 2026: Women University Mardan (WUM) and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) successfully concluded their Two-Day International Art and Culture Conference at Khanaspur, Galiyat, bringing together distinguished scholars, academics, researchers, artists and cultural practitioners. The second day, themed “Performance, Live Arts, Fashion & Textile, Literature and Poetry,” featured international keynote addresses by Dr. Alberto (Peru) and Dr. Aykut Kismir (Türkiye), along with technical sessions on performance, live art, fashion, textiles, literature and poetry. A technical session on Performance and Live Art was chaired by Dr. Gulzar Jalal and Dr. Raffat Dar, with Dr. Sohail as Co-Chair.
The conference featured presentations on art, music and cultural heritage, including “A Continuum of Memory: 80 Years of Art in Pakistan as Curatorial Dialogue,” “Historical Evolution of Indian Musicology from Early Stone Age to Present Era,” “Irani Art Documentary,” and “100 Years of Pashto Drama.” Dr. Bakht Zada Danish, Head of the Department of English, University of Sheringal, presented several poems from his poetic collection and enthralled the audience with his distinctive style of recitation. The technical session on Fashion & Textile Design / Literature & Poetry was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal, Vice Chancellor, AJK University, with Dr. Sumaira Jawad as Co-Chair.
A significant highlight of the conference was the signing of MoUs between Dosti Welfare Organization and AWKUM, AJK University and AWKUM, and AJK University and WUM. Two books authored by Gen. Farrukh Seir were also launched during the conference.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Javed Khan Marwat, former Commissioner Mardan, as Chief Guest, while Mr. Bilal Sethi attended as Guest of Honour. In his address, Mr. Javed Khan Marwat appreciated the organizers for arranging a wonderful event and highlighted the importance of such forums for academic and cultural exchange. Prof. Dr. Jamil Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, also addressed the gathering and appreciated the collaborative efforts of WUM and AWKUM.
In her vote of thanks, Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana, Vice Chancellor, Women University Mardan, expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, distinguished guests, speakers, partner institutions, organizers and participants for their valuable contributions. Emphasizing social responsibility, Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana said that people should “start giving, rather than waiting to be given,” stressing that everyone can contribute to their people and country through knowledge, service and creativity, and emphasized the importance of giving back to one’s people and country.
The ceremony formally concluded the successful Two-Day International Art Design and Cultural Heritage Conference, providing a platform for academic dialogue, cultural exchange, artistic expression and institutional collaboration.
