Sana Abdul Salam Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Pakistan International School-English section (PISJ-ES) honored students who have excelled academically and in other school activities this year by conducting an annual awards function at the school's Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Auditorium Saturday. Academically, students from grade three to 12 were conferred with awards in categories such as “Outstanding subject achiever” and “Top achiever across all levels,” “Sportsman of the year,” “Most progressed student” and “Active members of the student council” among others. Chief Guest and Pakistani Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan urged the students to make the best of their education. He said: “You are our future, and we look up to you for leadership in the coming days and years.” Commenting on expatriate communities in the Kingdom, he said: “Expatriates here or any other country in the world are in a very unique position. “They are members of two different societies and two countries: the country of origin, which is Pakistan, and the country of residence. “Therefore we have to train ourselves and our children to become productive members of both societies and both communities.” He added: “I would strongly urge you, the students, and the parents as well to learn the Arabic language. Once we know the language we can really appreciate the culture and tradition of the country, and become productive members of both societies.” As part of their extra-curricular activities, the students performed the Shakespeare classic “Macbeth” and classic Punjabi play “Heer-Ranjha.” A solo skit in Urdu was performed by Sohaib Khalid. Students from the primary section also performed on a patriotic song. Recognizing the achievements of the PISJ-ES as a whole, Senator Saher Kamran said: “Today is not only a celebration of success, but also a revival of our commitment as a school to achieve new goals and take the school to unparalleled heights.” My message to students is to follow in their lives the core principles of Mohammed Ali Jinnah — unity, faith and discipline — and never forget your obligations toward your country. This will make your life more meaningful and prosperous.” She added that she was happy to see the kind of unity shown between different members of the school: be it students or the teachers, because “I truly believe that coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.” Renowned Arabic poet and manager of residential relation at National Guard King Abdul Aziz Medical City Ali Al-Jasser recited one of his poems on the occasion, and dedicated this to Kamran's leadership. He also thanked her for penning the book “King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud — Rationalism and Wisdom.” Special guests Khan and Consul General of Pakistan Aftab Ahmed Khokher were presented with mementos as a token of gratitude for their attendance at the function.
