A large number of students of universities and colleges visited the 'Talent Expo Karachi 2014' (Tek14) on its first day. The event being held at Expo Centre has been organized by the Study Aid Project (SAP) of Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT). Federal Minister Abdul Hakeem Baloch inaugurated the two-day Talent Expo on Wednesday. Vice Chancellors of Muhammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU) and Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (Fuuast),Professor Dr Abdul Wahab and Dr Zafar Iqbal, respectively, graced the occasion by their presence as the guest of honour.
Students belonging to different public and private-sector universities displayed their projects at the 'Tek14'. Visitors evinced keen interest in the projects and lauded the efforts of the students. The salient features of Talent Expo include engineering and art exhibitions, counselling seminars, job fair, indoor games, 'Neelam Ghar', debate and photography competitions, etc.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Abdul Hakeem Baloch said that the IJT by organising the event for exploring talents of youths has proved that it never lagged behind in providing appropriate platforms to youths of the country. Lauding the efforts of the IJT in organizing the event, the minister said that the country' youth are able and capable to meet challenges.
Dr Zafar Iqbal said that programmes such as Talent Expo played a vital role in encouraging youths of the country and, as such, the credit for organizing such a meaningful event goes to the IJT. Professor Abdul Wahab demanded of the government to allocate more funds for education sector as mere 2.5 per cent of the total budget for education was quite insufficient.
Speaking on the occasion, Jamaat Islami's Karachi chief Hafiz Naeem said that IJT has transformed the minds of thousands of the youth by encouraging them to take part in healthy activities. "Jamiat is a ray of hope for the youths and it will re-earn the country's lost glory through its efforts in the education sector", he added. IJT Karachi Nazim and SAP president Hafiz Bilal said that there is a dire need to have platforms where outstanding and talented students could be encouraged and rewarded.
Highlighting the performance of the SAP, he said that the organisation has, so far, published more than 500 books, organized hundreds book fairs, self-assessment tests, cricket tournaments and several other events across the country. Commenting about the Talent Expo, a student of Iqra University, Uzair, remarked: "The event is an initiative to empower the youth and a platform where they can show their talents."