67/25 A Garden of Her Own: A Blossoming Symbol of Equity and Equality at National Skills University Islamabad

Situated in front of the Sarah and Amna Halls specified for girl students residence, the newly inaugurated Noor I Ilahi (نور  الہی) Garden at the National Skills University Islamabad is more than just a picturesque place. It is a space intentionally and lovingly created for young women (Daughters of the University). This place speaks volumes about inclusion, well-being, and a commitment to nurturing minds and hearts.

Noor I Ilahi Garden is a rare haven dedicated exclusively to female students of a skill university recognized by the UNESCO-UNEVOC. Filled with exotic flowers, seasonal vegetables, and nature's quiet grace, it provides more than just beauty. It offers sanctuary. Here, young women can study, reflect, and be without the pressures of a bustling academic environment or the societal noise that often intrudes into women's spaces. This garden is a vital counter-narrative in a country where the discourse around women's mobility and comfort in public spaces is still evolving.

Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), recognized this moment of progress when she inaugurated the garden. She commended the university's leadership in her remarks for envisioning and realizing such a thoughtful initiative. She rightly described it as a blessing that adds quality and dignity to the student experience for young women.

This unique garden isn't just about flowers and walkways. It's about ownership. When young women walk through this garden, they're not just enjoying the serenity of nature; they're seeing themselves reflected in a university that prioritizes their comfort and recognizes their presence as vital to the academic community.

According to Founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Noor I Ilahi Garden becomes an emblem of equity, not in abstraction, but in practice. It offers better opportunities for female students by providing a safe and inspiring environment. It ensures that girls living far from home have a place that feels personal, welcoming, and designed with them in mind. And that makes all the difference.

In a world often obsessed with the loudest headlines, Noor I Ilahi Garden reminds us that true change can sometimes be quiet, fragrant, and sunlight-filled.