May 14, 2026 – Peshawar: Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWUP), Peshawar, in collaboration with Abasyn University Peshawar and the Embassy of Romania, organized the 1st International Art Exhibition under the theme “Celebration of Romanian & Pakistani Artistic Heritage.”

The event commenced with a board meeting attended by His Excellency Ambassador Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania; His Excellency Ambassador Charles-Idesbald Van der Gracht de Rommerswael, Ambassador of Belgium, along with the First Lady of Belgium; Mr. Qazi Masood Ahmad Qazi, Honorary Consul General of Romania and CEO of Peshawar Barracks; officials of Abasyn University and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, faculty members, and students.

Dr. Imran Ullah, Chancellor of Abasyn University Peshawar, delivered the welcome note and emphasized the importance of international academic and cultural partnerships in promoting peace, creativity, and mutual understanding.

Professor Dr. Safia Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of SBBWUP, expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, diplomats, collaborating institutions, faculty members, and students for making the event successful. She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting international collaboration, cultural diversity, and creative engagement among students.

During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on strengthening academic and institutional collaboration between Pakistan, Romania, and Belgium. The participants agreed on multiple areas of cooperation including academic partnerships, student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, women empowerment projects, cultural and educational diplomacy, scholarships and higher education opportunities, conferences and diplomatic dialogues, digital and technological collaboration, language and cultural learning centers, community engagement projects, and organization of international art exhibitions and cultural festivals.

Dr. Syed Umar Farooq, Vice Chancellor of Abasyn University Peshawar, emphasized the importance of promoting regional connectivity between South Asia and Europe through higher education, research, innovation, and intercultural collaboration. The meeting also focused on collaborative initiatives in the areas of climate change, peace and diplomacy, public health, social sciences, technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

Addressing the participants, Ambassador Dan Stoenescu appreciated the collaborative efforts of the institutions and highlighted the role of art and education in strengthening relations between Romania and Pakistan. Ambassador Charles-Idesbald Van der Gracht de Rommerswael shared his views on intercultural dialogue and international cooperation, while Mr. Qazi Masood Ahmad Qazi stressed the significance of cultural diplomacy and educational partnerships in promoting regional collaboration.

During the meeting, Ms. Tashfeen Zia, Deputy Registrar, SBBWUP, highlighted that the University and its affiliated institutions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can serve as an important platform for strengthening academic and cultural connectivity between Pakistan and Europe through exchange programs, joint research, and educational collaboration.

Following the board meeting, the opening ceremony of the 1st International Art Exhibition was held at SBBWUP. The exhibition, curated by Dr. Sania Siraj of the Department of Art & Design, SBBWUP, showcased artistic works celebrating the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Romania and Pakistan.

The event also included an interactive Q&A session with the ambassadors, followed by the exchange of souvenirs and shields among the dignitaries and organizers. During the exhibition visit, students of the Department of Art & Design presented their artwork and handmade souvenirs to the distinguished guests as a gesture of cultural appreciation and artistic exchange.

The exhibition provided students and visitors with a unique opportunity to experience cross-cultural creativity and dialogue through art while promoting international artistic collaboration and mutual understanding between Pakistan and European countries.

Drive link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B4Ob9CR-hHywaV87ArdchE_VbOklT0Rd?usp=sharing