Germany Joins SALU Student Week 2026 as University Marks Three Days of Academic Excellence, Skills Development, and Youth Empowerment.
Germany Joins SALU Student Week 2026 as University Marks Three Days of Academic Excellence, Skills Development, and Youth Empowerment.
11-02-2026
Press Release
Shah Abdul Latif University’s Student Week 2026 has completed three remarkable days of intellectual discourse, cultural celebration, and skill-based learning, with Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk leading from the front and actively engaging students across 28 departments. The week-long extravaganza has transformed the campus into a vibrant hub of academic excellence, featuring international delegates, renowned writers, inclusive programmes, and a wide range of competitive events.
The third day witnessed Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk, alongside distinguished German scholar Felix Kolbitz, Country Director of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan, inaugurating the Free Books Initiative, organized by Mr. Khadim Hussain Mirani, Chief Executive of Bhittai Social Watch and Advocacy (BSWA), aimed at promoting reading culture and ensuring equitable access to academic resources.
Addressing a packed hall at the one-day seminar on the "Role of Youth in Nation Building", Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk set the tone by declaring: "Young people are not just the future, they are the actual present. You are the architects of tomorrow."
The one-day seminar on the "Role of Youth in Nation Building" emerged as the intellectual highlight of Day Three, featuring distinguished German scholar Felix Kolbitz, Country Director for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Pakistan, as the keynote speaker.
Kolbitz, a policy expert specializing in labour rights, youth empowerment, economic justice, and social democracy, delivered a stirring address that challenged conventional hiring paradigms. In a direct interactive session with students, he made a startling announcement: "We don't need your GPA. We need to see what you have done beyond academics. Show us your voluntary work. Show us your contribution to society."
The German scholar urged students to build substantive careers through authentic effort, cautioning against technological shortcuts. "Do not rely on artificial intelligence to write your applications. Write them yourself. There is a lot of competition, but a successful career is built on real work," he asserted, confirming plans for additional workshops and sustained engagement with SALU's student community. "I am here for student engagement, and I have truly enjoyed my time here," Kolbitz remarked.
The seminar concluded with the formal exchange of commemorative shields presented to Dr. Khushk and the German delegate as gestures of academic fellowship.
Simultaneously, a colourful Basant Mela organized at the Institute of Commerce filled the air with spring fervour, while the Institute of Business Administration hosted a fiercely contested quiz competition testing participants' intellectual mettle.
At the Student Society Center, the Institute of Physics mounted an impressive projects exhibition showcasing innovative research and experiments by budding scientists. Meanwhile, the Special Education Department arranged a dedicated programme for differently-abled children, reinforcing the university's commitment to inclusive education. Sports enthusiasts enjoyed 'Malakharo' and other sports events at the Sports Complex, while the Institute of Computer Sciences presented a mesmerizing flowers exhibition blending technology with natural beauty.
In an exclusive media interaction, Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk outlined the comprehensive objectives of SALU's Student Week 2026, emphasizing the institution's commitment to global exposure and skill-based learning.
"We are providing our students with international exposure," Dr. Khushk stated, highlighting the presence of German delegate Felix Kolbitz and other international representatives. "Today we had Germany with us; previously we hosted other international delegates. This is part of our vision to connect SALU students with the world."
The Vice Chancellor underscored that skills development is now mandatory across all disciplines. "We are enhancing skills in every department. Scholars from diverse fields are visiting us, and Student Week is offering immense opportunities for students to refine their abilities," he added.
Revealing that student projects this year encompass cutting-edge fields including research and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Khushk remarked: "These projects are giving birth to new ideas. We firmly believe such activities will translate into tangible opportunities for our youth."
Addressing broader societal challenges, the Vice Chancellor expressed optimism: "This is just the beginning. SALU is shining, and our students are at the center of this brilliance." Referring to Kolbitz's address, he concluded: "The German delegate himself told our students how critical skills are. We are ensuring our graduates leave not just with degrees, but with competencies that make them competitive globally."
Visiting the Special Education Department, Vice Chancellor Dr. Khushk extended heartfelt congratulations to faculty and students for their contributions to Student Week. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that education is a continuous journey. "We are always learning," he said, acknowledging Dr. Zahid Sahito and praising the department's commitment to inclusive education.
"This week is for speedily learning," the Vice Chancellor asserted. "Students must work hard during their time at university, it is the only guarantee of success. Whoever puts in the effort will succeed." He reminded students that the contemporary era demands deep engagement with one's chosen subject. "Your success is directly linked to your hard work. And your success is our success."
In a significant contribution to Sindhi literature, the Sindhi Department organized a prominent lecture on "New Experiments and Trends in the Sindhi Novel," featuring senior journalist and acclaimed writer Mumtaz Bukhari. The event also marked the prestigious unveiling ceremony of Baak, the department's annual student magazine.
Addressing a crowded hall of students and faculty, Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk congratulated the Sindhi Department for sustaining literary culture at the university. Drawing inspiration from theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, he reminded students: "People do not remember those who only raise grievances. They remember those who change the world. Raise questions, and focus on critical thinking."
Bukhari emphasized that novels can explore any subject history, environment, or human experience. While acknowledging that Sindhi novels are progressing steadily, he identified two critical demerits: a lack of breakthrough in comedic and light-hearted fiction, and a shortage of specialized expertise in the field.
"The more we read, the more we can write," Bukhari asserted, citing that globally, six to seven thousand novels are published annually. "And the more we write, the better our work becomes. Quantity eventually leads to quality if accompanied by sincerity."
Professor Dr. Allah Wasayo Sommro welcomed the guests, while Dr. Mahar Khadim, Dr. Ruqia Amar and Mukhtiar Malik were also present on the dais. The department announced a transition towards digital format for future publications, signaling a modern shift in preserving Sindhi literature.
With Inter-University Sports featuring five universities and numerous departmental activities still lined up, SALU's Student Week 2026 continues to reinforce the institution's resolve to create a landmark event in its academic calendar.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Wahid Bux Jatoi, Deans: Professor Dr Noor Ahmed Shaikh, Professor Dr Mushtaque Ali Jakhrani, Professor Dr Liaquat Ali Jakhrani, Professor Dr Minhoon Khan Laghari, Professor Dr Ghulam Mustafa Mashori, and faculty members including Professor Dr Ameer Ali Shar, Professor Dr Akhtiar Ali Ghumro, Professor Dr Farman Mangi, Professor Dr Jawad Hassan, Dr Zeenat Kanwal, Dr Hira Shaikh, Dr Sahib Oad, Mumtaz Saand, Dr Zubeda Bhatti, Dr Firdous Bhugti, Dr Zahid Sahito, and Officials: Muhammad Murad Peerazda, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Farhan Latif Memon, Waseem Kalhoro, Aijaz Mahar and others.
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur
