Author: Rafique Sultan

The Department of Management Sciences, Karakoram International University (KIU) Ghizer Campus, organized an educational study tour to Naltar Valley for students of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme as part of its commitment to experiential learning and industry exposure.

The visit provided students with an opportunity to explore the practical aspects of business management in one of Gilgit-Baltistan’s emerging tourism destinations. Naltar Valley was selected for its growing tourism and hospitality sector, enabling students to observe how local businesses contribute to regional economic development while operating in a competitive and seasonal market.

During the study tour, students interacted with hotel managers, guesthouse owners, tour operators, and local entrepreneurs to gain firsthand knowledge of tourism business operations. They learned about customer service, pricing strategies, operational planning, marketing practices, and the challenges associated with managing businesses in the tourism industry.

The educational visit bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world business practices, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting while enhancing their understanding of entrepreneurship, hospitality management, and sustainable tourism.

The Department of Management Sciences reaffirmed its commitment to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen academic knowledge, professional skills, and industry readiness, preparing graduates to meet the evolving demands of the business world.

Karakoram International University (KIU) Ghizer Campus, in collaboration with the Mountain Institute for Education & Development (MIED) and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), organized a special event to commemorate World Environment Day, highlighting the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development.

According to the KIU Public Relations Office, the event brought together government officials, educationists, community representatives, faculty members, and students to raise awareness about environmental challenges and encourage collective action for a greener future.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Touseef, Assistant Commissioner Punial Ishkoman Mr. Sherbaz Ahmad, District Education Officer; Mr. Gufran, Deputy Director Disaster Management; and Mr. Inamullah, Assistant Director District Council, along with representatives from various organizations and local communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahab U Din, Director KIU Ghizer Campus, welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of World Environment Day. He briefed participants on the vision of KIU Ghizer Campus and stressed the need for environmental stewardship, particularly in ecologically sensitive mountain regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan.

The guest speakers emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and urged students to become responsible citizens by actively contributing to the protection of natural resources and the preservation of biodiversity. They noted that addressing environmental challenges requires collective efforts from educational institutions, government departments, communities, and youth.

At the conclusion of the event, Mr. Sajjad Wali, Project Manager MIED, thanked the participants, KIU Ghizer Campus administration, faculty members, partner organizations, and district administration for their valuable support and cooperation in making the event successful.

The event reaffirmed KIU Ghizer Campus’s commitment to promoting environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and youth engagement in addressing pressing environmental issues.

Karakoram International University Ghizer Campus successfully hosted the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme distribution ceremony to support deserving students and promote digital education in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The event was attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr. Amir Muqam as chief guest, along with Vice Chancellor Attaullah Shah, Joint Secretary GBC, faculty members, students, and local administration representatives.

Laptops were distributed among meritorious and deserving students to enhance their academic and research capabilities.

The Federal Minister praised the youth of Ghizer, calling the region a “Valley of Martyrs,” and appreciated their resilience and talent. He reiterated the government’s commitment under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to equipping youth with modern education, digital skills, and research opportunities.

The Vice Chancellor highlighted KIU’s ongoing efforts in promoting quality education, digital learning, and campus development in remote regions.

The ceremony concluded with appreciation for student performance and a special cash award announcement for a cultural presentation.

Karakoram International University (KIU) Ghizer Campus, in collaboration with Degree College Hatoon, organized a mental health awareness session at the campus Multipurpose Hall, bringing together female students from both institutions.

The session was conducted by Dr. Meena from Aga Khan Hospital Gilgit, who shared valuable insights on mental well-being, stress management, and emotional resilience. The interactive session aimed to create awareness about the importance of mental health in both personal and academic life.

Students highly appreciated the initiative and highlighted the need for more such programs to support their emotional and psychological well-being.

The Director KIU Ghizer Campus and the Principal of Degree College Hatoon expressed their gratitude to the facilitator and participants, reaffirming their commitment to continuing similar awareness initiatives in the future.

KIU Ghizer Campus warmly welcomed the newly enrolled students of the Fall 2025 intake during an orientation event held on 20 November 2025 in the Seminar Hall. The program aimed to familiarize new students with the campus environment and inspire them as they embark on their academic journey.

Senior students shared their experiences, provided valuable guidance, and highlighted the academic, co-curricular, and developmental opportunities available on campus. Newly admitted students expressed their excitement and expectations as they officially became part of the KIU Ghizer community.

Motivational speeches underscored the importance of academic discipline, personal growth, and the transformative role of university life in shaping future careers.

In his concluding remarks, the Director Campus appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and encouraged new students to remain dedicated to their studies. He assured them of the administration’s full support and extended his best wishes for their academic and professional success.

Sector Commander SCO, Colonel Kashif, visited KIU Ghizer Campus today, where he was warmly welcomed by the KIU Ghizer team. It is worth mentioning that, with the support of SCO, a state-of-the-art Freelancing Hub is being established at KIU Ghizer Campus to provide better online employment opportunities for the youth of the region.

During the visit, the Sector Commander, along with the KIU team, thoroughly reviewed the ongoing completion work of the freelancing hub and issued necessary instructions regarding its inauguration. On the occasion, he stated:

“SCO will continue its journey of public service in collaboration with KIU and will extend full support to empower the youth of this region.”

Naeem Akhtar Rana, the representative of the KIU team, expressed special gratitude to SCO, stating:

“With the support of SCO, the youth of Ghizer will gain respectable online earning opportunities from home, which will become a milestone in the development of the region.”

After the completion of the freelancing hub, students and young people of Ghizer will be able to offer their services in the global digital market through various digital skills, creating new pathways for economic growth in the area.

KIU Ghizer Campus Holds Closing Ceremony of Four-Day Youth Employment Soft Skills (YESS) Training

Ghizer, October 3, 2025 — A certificate distribution and closing ceremony was held yesterday at the Karakoram International University (KIU) Ghizer Campus, marking the successful completion of a four-day training on Youth Employment Soft Skills (YESS). The training program, designed by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) under its BEST4WEER initiative, focused on equipping young people in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral with job readiness and employability skills.

The YESS program is built around 12 core competencies, carefully structured under three categories: Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes. These modules aim to strengthen the employability potential of youth by developing practical soft skills, enhancing workplace knowledge, and fostering positive professional attitudes.

Addressing the participants as the chief guest, Dr. Atta Ullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of KIU, highlighted the critical importance of soft skills in meeting contemporary employment challenges. He urged students to continuously upgrade their knowledge and technological skills, sharing his own life experiences as an example of perseverance and professional growth.

Dr. Aftab Ahmed Khan, Director of the School of Professional Learning and Continuing Education, expressed gratitude to the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) for its technical and financial support. He also emphasized the need to integrate the YESS modules into KIU’s regular curriculum to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Dr. Shahab U Din, Director of KIU Ghizer Campus, applauded the trainers of trainers (ToTs) for their dedication and acknowledged the efforts that went into making the program a success.

Students who participated in the training shared their positive experiences, noting that the sessions had significantly boosted their confidence and employability skills. They also expressed a strong desire to see such initiatives expanded in the future.

The YESS initiative reflects a growing collaboration between KIU and development partners such as AKF/AKRSP, aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and practical workforce needs in the region.