The Pakistani embassy in Kathmandu handed over awards for the 11th Annual Ambassador of Pakistan Essay Writing Competition and the 7th Annual Ambassador of Pakistan Speech Competition on Wednesday.

Bhola Thapa, vice chancellor of Kathmandu University, awarded the students.

This year, the topic of the essay writing competition was “Regional Connectivity is Essence of the Economic Development and Social Uplift-Prospects for South Asian Countries”.

The Pakistan embassy in Kathmandu said in a statement that students securing first, second, and third place in the essay writing competition were presented with gold, silver, and bronze medals along with souvenirs and cash prizes. The next twelve best students were also presented with special cash prizes.

In their speeches, both male and female students advocated the indispensable “Role of Women in Economic Development of South Asia”.

The top three adjudicated students were given medals, souvenirs, and cash prizes. The next thirteen best students also received souvenirs and cash prizes.

A good number of Nepali students, from 35 higher secondary school to university students, participated in the two competitions, which were concluded in a phased manner over the last two weeks of this event.

Speaking at the occasion, vice-chancellor Thapa appreciated Pakistan for its continued support and advancing technical support especially in the field of education.

He expressed hope that Pakistan’s support would go a long way in reminding the youth of the two countries about their shared vision; educated youth is beneficial for all. He lauded that a sizeable number of Pakistani alumni was contributing to Nepal’s development.

Ambassador Abrar H Hashmi appreciated the students for their critical thinking on important issues. The ambassador said imbibing solution-based and forward-looking thinking processes in students was vital for the future and termed youth interaction between the two countries as the abiding bridge, the embassy said.

The two competitions were held consecutively for the last seven and 11 years, respectively which have become very popular among the Nepali youths and attract the brightest students from all over the country, reads the statement.