Sports & Co-Curricular Activities

A Festival of Words, Wit, and Wonder

On Saturday, 4^th October 2025, Aitchison College, Prep School, held its 5^th Annual English Language and Literature Festival with great zeal and zest. The event showcased the vibrancy and literary excellence of the young talent. This year’s chapter brought together thirty-four of the best schools from across Pakistan, including the esteemed Karachi Grammar School, making it a truly national event. Participants competed across six diverse categories: Poetry Writing and Recitation, Persuasive Writing, Scrabble, Interpretive Reading, Parliamentary Debating, and Prep Talks. Each category witnessed spirited performances and eloquent displays of creativity, earning resounding applause from audiences and judges alike. The festival once again reaffirmed its place as a hallmark of linguistic passion, critical thought, and youthful expression.

Aitchison's Debate Tackles Press Freedom and State Secrets

The Aitchison College Speaking Union, in collaboration with the Debating Society, successfully held its first debate of the term on October 4^th on the motion: “This House Supports the Freedom of the Press to Publish Classified Information When It Serves the Public Interest.”

The debate took place in the Old Building Main Hall and was attended by over 75 students. The event was graced by the honourable Principal, Aitchison College, the Headmistress Senior School, and the Deputy Headmaster Senior School. Their presence greatly encouraged both the participants and the audience. The speakers for the debate were Asad Nizami and Zaid Abdullah, who delivered compelling arguments for their respective sides, engaging in discussion over seven different questions related to the motion, as well as questions posed by members of the audience. The event was efficiently managed by the Co-Curricular Portfolio and marked a strong beginning to the year’s series of intellectual engagements, reflecting the College’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, articulate expression, and informed discourse among its students.

New Student Council Leaders Announced

The recent School Assembly proudly introduced the newly elected Student Council members for the First Term of the academic year. Representing each of the 17 Houses, one distinguished student from C1, C2, and H1 was chosen by their Housemates through a democratic election process. These exemplary young leaders will carry the mantle of responsibility, serving as the voice and representatives of their Houses throughout the Term. The Headmistress, Senior School, extended her warm congratulations to all the elected members, applauding their commitment and wishing them every success in their important roles. This announcement marks a significant step in cultivating leadership and unity within the school community.

ACLLCF II: A Celebration of Language, Literature, and Culture

On September 19–20, 2025, the Aitchison College Language, Literary, and Cultural Festival (ACLLCF II) was held. It was built on the momentum of last year’s edition and raised the bar even higher. With over 650 delegates from 45 institutions in attendance from Lahore and beyond, this year’s festival reaffirmed its reputation as one of the most exciting and inclusive intellectual gatherings in Pakistan. More than just a competition, ACLLCF II has become a living celebration of creativity, diversity, and critical engagement, uniting students from across the country for two unforgettable days.

A hallmark of ACLLCF has always been its dynamic structure, and this year was no exception. The festival expanded from six wings to include a brand-new Geography-History collaborative wing, making its debut. This addition enriched the festival’s intellectual scope, offering fresh ways to explore culture, identity, and global narratives. Delegates engaged in spirited contests such as map-based challenges, historical-geographical case studies, and creative reenactments that highlighted the interconnectedness of time, space, and human experience.

The English wing challenged participants through debates, essay writing, and creative expression, while the Urdu wing once again paid homage to Pakistan’s cultural richness with Ghazal performances, Mushairas, and impromptu oratory. The German and French wings stood out for their interactive approach—combining vocabulary contests, quizzes, and cultural presentations that left students feeling more connected to global languages. The Islamic wing created moments of reflection with Qiraat recitations and philosophical discussions, reminding participants of the enduring relevance of faith and values in modern life.

The statistics themselves highlight the event’s growing stature. With over 650 delegates representing 45 institutions, ACLLCF II exceeded the scale of its predecessor. Across its seven wings, dozens of competitions unfolded over two action-packed days, drawing large audiences of peers, teachers, and parents. The closing ceremony, attended by hundreds of spectators, featured not only prize distributions but also a vibrant cultural showcase, ensuring that the festival ended on a note of celebration and unity.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of ACLLCF II was the sense of inclusivity and collaboration it nurtured. Students from diverse linguistic, cultural, and academic backgrounds came together under one banner, proving that language and culture are not just subjects to be studied but bridges that connect us all. By expanding its wings, attracting record participation, and staying true to its mission of celebrating expression and diversity, ACLLCF II left an indelible mark on 2025.

Scaling the Height: Mountaineering Session at Aitchison College Senior School

On October 2, 2025, a mountaineering session was held at Aitchison College, Senior School, which was attended by around eighty students. The event was organised with the help of Mr. Nadeem Babar, an avid adventurer and long-time supporter of outdoor education at Aitchison. His passion for exploration and commitment to inspiring young minds played a key role in bringing the session to life.

The session featured two of Pakistan’s most accomplished mountaineers, Mr. Sirbaz Khan and Mr. Saad Munawar. They shared their remarkable journeys and insights into the world of high-altitude climbing.

Sirbaz Khan, the first and only Pakistani to summit all fourteen eight-thousanders without supplementary oxygen, spoke about his extraordinary pursuit, “Mission Summit 14”. He described the challenges he faced while conquering peaks like K2, Everest, and Shishapangma. His story of perseverance, national pride, and respect for the mountains inspired students to embrace resilience and discipline in their own goals.

Joining him was Mr. Saad Munawar, a mountaineer, writer, and expedition leader, who has led record-breaking climbs across five continents, including the first Pakistani ascent of the North Face of Mount Everest. As a storyteller and mentor, Saad discussed his work in promoting adventure sports, managing expeditions, and uplifting Pakistan’s underrepresented mountaineering community.

The session began with both experts introducing themselves and briefly sharing how their passion for the mountains took root. They then spoke in depth about their expeditions, the physical and mental preparation required for extreme conditions, and the sense of teamwork and leadership that mountaineering demands. Students listened with keen interest as videos and photographs of their climbs were shown, offering a glimpse into the breathtaking yet perilous world of high-altitude adventure.

The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where students asked about training, dealing with fear, survival in harsh environments, and the importance of environmental conservation in mountain regions. Both speakers encouraged the audience to challenge their limits, explore Pakistan’s stunning landscapes responsibly, and draw inspiration from Nature to strengthen their character and purpose.

Celebrating Legacy and Leadership: Kelly House Formal Dinner, 2025

On October 4^th, 2025, Kelly House welcomed Old Aitchisonians and distinguished guests back to Aitchison College for its annual Formal Dinner. The evening was marked by an atmosphere of grace and camaraderie, reflecting the proud traditions and enduring spirit of Kelly House.

The event was graced by the Principal, the Bursar, the Senior School Headmistress, and distinguished guests, including Mr. Haider Zaman Qureshi, Mr. Arif Jalil Piracha, Mr. Farid Malik, Mr. Nusrat Ali Shah, Col. Hassan Rehan, Mr. Zarrar Jamali, Dr. Omer Nasib, and Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja.

The event provided a memorable opportunity for meaningful interaction between guests and current Kellyites. The speakers shared heartfelt reflections on their time at Aitchison and valuable insights from their professional journeys. Their words of encouragement deeply inspired the students, who appreciated engaging with such accomplished role models. In all, the evening was a celebration of achievement, mentorship, and the lasting bonds of the Aitchison community – a night of nostalgia, reflection, and renewed connection that truly captured the college's unique ethos.

Taxila Visit - Learning from the Past

On September 21, 2025, the Art & Design Department, Prep School, arranged a memorable study tour of E2, M1 & M2 students to Taxila. It is one of the oldest centers of learning in South Asia. Our students explored ancient ruins, artefacts, and Buddhist art, gaining a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s artistic heritage. The trip helped them see how history and creativity are closely linked and how art remains a powerful way to preserve a culture.

Through this experience, our students:

Discovered how art helps preserve history and culture.
Connected classroom lessons with real historical sites.
Gained pride in Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage.
Learnt to appreciate ancient civilisations and their creativity.
Gained exposure to real-world design practices outside the classroom.
Developed critical thinking and observation skills.
Built teamwork and shared ideas through group exploration.
Felt inspired to blend tradition with modern creativity in their own work.

Tour of China, 2025

A delegation of 26 students from Aitchison College's Prep School completed a nine-day educational tour of China in June 2025. The trip was approved by the esteemed Principal, Dr. S. M. Turab Hussain, and the Headmaster of Prep School, Raja Ashfaq Ahmad. Ms. Sarah Liu, the Head of the Chinese Language and Literature Department, successfully organised the tour. The visit aimed to enhance students' understanding of the Chinese language, history, and culture.

It was indeed a wonderful experience.Our students returned with new experiences, fascinating stories, lasting friendships, and cherished memories. The itinerary included iconic historical sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Students also participated in hands-on cultural activities, like pottery-making and shadow puppet crafts, and experienced modern China through high-speed rail travel and visits to futuristic technology centres.

The tour highlighted strong Pakistan-China relations, emphasised by a warm reception at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing. The Pakistani Ambassador, His Excellency Khalil Hashmi, and his staff warmly welcomed the delegation. Mr. Hashmi praised Aitchison College’s initiative and expressed hope that such exchanges would become a regular annual tradition.

The journey began with a minor challenge when a student's visa issue was promptly resolved through the coordinated efforts of Ms. Sarah Liu, the school management, the travel agency, and the Embassy of Pakistan in China. The group's itinerary continued smoothly, with the student rejoining the tour after his visa was renewed.

Throughout the visit, the group was accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and dependable security personnel. Daily updates were sent to parents via WeChat, making them virtually part of the tour. Our students experienced traditional “Halal” Chinese cuisine. Throughout the trip, only certified “Halal restaurants” were chosen. The boys and teachers enjoyed it immensely, especially the Indian and Pakistani food available in China.

Interacting with native Chinese speakers gave our students a real feel for Chinese language and how it is used in specific social settings. Our students interacted with the locals during shopping and everyday activities, experiencing the language in its natural context.

The tour was a wonderful opportunity, ending with the group's safe return to Lahore. It was a trip that combined immersive learning with diplomatic friendship. Our students will never forget the tour for the rest of their lives. Nobody will!

Junior School Helping Hands, Boy Scouts Investiture

On Tuesday, September 30, Aitchison College, Junior School convened a special assembly to begin another year of the 'Helping Hands' Boy Scouts (Shaheen Scouts) for its Upper Primary learners (K4-K6). Mr. Tariq Qureshi, Provincial Secretary of the Punjab Boy Scouts Association (PBSA), attended the assembly at our special request of the organisers and was accompanied by Mr. Abdullah Jahanzeb and a colleague.

The ceremony was led by Mrs. Fatima Mubeen, Headmistress of Junior School. She delivered the inspirational inaugural address, outlining her vision for character-building and community service. Her address was followed by insights from College Head Boy, Abdul Moeez, on the essence of leadership, as well as from two Junior School Scouts who detailed their real-world service. One successfully delivered a water dispenser to a government school, and the other worked with his team to supply wheelchairs and medicines to underprivileged patients.

Following these reflections, Mr. Tariq Qureshi was invited to address the gathering, where he spoke about the vital role and responsibilities of the Boy Scouts. He offered his full cooperation, support, and guidance for the programme and presented souvenirs to the Headmistress.

This sequence of commitment and action preceded the most profound segment: the handing over of the neckerchiefs, a key, lifelong moment of commitment for the learners. The newly invested Scouts then proceeded to take the solemn oath. While the K6 students continue their commitment, the event marked a completely new beginning of a journey of service, dedication, and character for the incoming K4 and K5 learners.

The Headmistress, Junior School concluded the assembly with her final remarks before the National Anthem, formally adjourning the successful event.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Creators at NUST

To enkindle true inspiration and show the real-world impact of creativity, the Art & Design Department of Aitchison College, Prep School, organised a study tour for sixty-eight students to the School of Art, Design & Architecture (SADA) at NUST on September 19th, 2025.

The visit was a deep dive into the futuristic design. Students participated in an engaging lecture and hands-on workshops that brought concepts like design thinking, innovation, and sustainability to life. They witnessed firsthand how creative problem-solving can address real-world challenges and explored the vital role of applied arts in our daily lives. A major highlight of the tour was discovering the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool in the designer's toolkit.

This immersive experience was more than just a field trip. It was a window into their future. Students returned with a fresh perspective, having:

Understood how design thinking encourages problem-solving.
Explored the link between creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
Learnt about the importance of applied arts in daily life.
Discovered how AI is shaping the future of design.
Gained exposure to real-world design practices outside the classroom.
Felt inspired to use creativity in meaningful and practical ways.
Built confidence, teamwork, and curiosity about future career paths in art and design

A Night Under the Stars: Aitchison Celebrates Teachers' Day

Aitchison College hosted its annual Staff Dinner 2025 in front of the historic Aitchison College, Old Building, to mark the occasion of Teachers’ Day. The beautiful setting provided a perfect backdrop for the evening, which brought together the teaching staff in a warm atmosphere of camaraderie and heartfelt appreciation. In his address, the Principal spoke from the heart. He lauded the vital role of teachers in shaping young minds and the enduring importance of the teaching profession in building both character and knowledge. He commended the staff for their unwavering dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the holistic development of Aitchisonians.

As the evening unfolded, dinner was served under a canopy of stars. The sound of soft music and songs, accompanied by the glow of lights, created a magical atmosphere that perfectly reflected Aitchison's deep-rooted tradition of honouring its educators. It was a fitting tribute to the incredible team that gives so much to our community.

JS Academic Prize Day 2025

The much-awaited Academics Prize Day of Junior School was held at Shamim Khan Hall on Saturday, 27th September 2025, with great enthusiasm and excitement. Professor Sardar Mohammad Ali Ayaz Sadiq had graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Junior School Lead Squad warmly welcomed and escorted the Chief Guest and the Principal to the venue. The event aimed to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and achievements of our young learners in academics. Undoubtedly, it was a proud moment for all parents and teachers.