Pakistani Student Inaya Khan Honoured by Turkish President Erdoğan in Ankara

Grade 9 Scholar from Pak-Turk Maarif Lahore Campus Secures Top Honours in Global STEAM Competitions

Syed Naveed Hussain

ISLAMABAD: Inaya Khan, a Grade 9 student at Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges' Asifa Irfan Girls Campus in Lahore, has received international acclaim after being awarded a commemorative shield by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.

The honor was conferred during the Turkish Maarif Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebrations at the Presidential Complex, recognizing Inaya's back-to-back first-place victories at the Teknofest STEAM competition in Northern Cyprus and the International STEAM Competition in Azerbaijan. Her fully funded achievements highlight the exceptional potential of young Pakistani talent on the global stage and reflect the institution's commitment to fostering academic excellence and technological innovation.

Inaya, a Grade 9 student at Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges’ Asifa Irfan Girls Campus, Lahore, was honoured for her outstanding achievements in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) competitions, bringing distinction to her institution and highlighting the potential of Pakistani students on international platforms.

Her journey to international success began while she was studying at the institution’s Lahore Dream Gardens Campus. As a Grade 7 student, she secured first place at Teknofest in Lefkoşa, Northern Cyprus, earning a trophy, medal and cash prize. She subsequently achieved another first-place victory at the International STEAM Competition in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a Grade 8 student, receiving a laptop in recognition of her accomplishment.

Both of Inaya’s international competition trips were fully funded by Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges, enabling her to participate in the events and represent her institution abroad.

In recognition of her achievements, Inaya was invited to attend the Turkish Maarif Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Her visit to Türkiye was also fully funded by the institution.

During the ceremony, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Inaya received an award shield from the Turkish president and Chairman of the Turkish Maarif Foundation Mahmut Mustafa Özdil, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.

Now continuing her education at the Asifa Irfan Girls Campus in Lahore, Inaya’s achievements highlight the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop their abilities, pursue innovation and compete at international levels.

Her success also reflects Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges’ emphasis on promoting academic excellence, encouraging participation in international competitions and expanding students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Inaya’s accomplishments have become a source of pride for the Pak-Turk Maarif community and underscore the importance of supporting young talent to help Pakistani students achieve recognition on the global stage