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A group of bright young Pakistani students made the country proud at Turkey’s biggest public speaking competition, the Istanbul University Model United Nations (IUMUN), held from July 16 to 18, 2025.
The 21-member delegation, made up of students from top institutions like Bay View Academy, Karachi Grammar School, Lahore Grammar School, Nixor College, and The Cedar School, competed against over 700 students from 19 countries.
Despite being some of the youngest attendees mostly high schoolers the Pakistani students excelled, winning awards in four out of eight committees. Notably, Ahmed Naseem Kharal and Yahya Jamali received Outstanding Diplomacy Awards, while Ayla Tariq, Muntaha Kamran, and Waniya Umair earned Honorable Mentions in their respective committees.
The event took place at Istanbul University, a prestigious institution founded in 1453. Known for its diverse academic programs and global reach, the university has educated over 10,000 students from 143 countries and boasts renowned alumni like former Turkish President Abdullah Gül and ex-Foreign Minister Turan Güneş.
IUMUN featured three days of intense debate across ten specialized committees, providing students a platform to discuss global issues, hone diplomatic skills, and engage in multicultural dialogue. The Pakistani team’s performance not only highlighted their academic excellence but also reflected the growing strength of public speaking and debate culture in Pakistan.
This remarkable showing underscores how Pakistani youth are taking their talents to the global stage competing and winning against seasoned university-level participants.
