My first visit to the IED was in the mid-1990s. I had come to see a friend and then stayed on to attend a talk. In his introduction to the IED, the host of the talk used a metaphor that has remained in my mind ever since; a torch that lights the way towards a valued goal. I think this metaphor captures the basic objective of the IED. And, the idea is reflected best in its students, each one of you is an individual torchbearer.
Over the decades, the need for the IED, both in Pakistan and in the region, has only increased. As Iqbal puts it, Umeed-e-bahar rakh, we seek to remain a beacon of light and in so doing will continue to look towards you for support. We are in the process of creating formal ways in which people wishing to remain in touch and contribute to the IED will be able to do so. I will keep you informed of the developments in this regard.
I wish you all very well in your respective personal, and professional paths. Please continue to think of the IED as your home where you will always be very welcome.
Dr Farid PanjwaniDean, AKU's Institute for Educational Development
