ISLAMABAD: Pakistani fashion houses and fashion designing students should learn from French experience in fashion designing to learn about modern trends and new innovations. This was stated by the Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moinul Haque while talking to a 20-member group of students of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), Lahore, which called on him at the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris. The ambassador said that Pakistan had an impressive and thriving fashion industry. “It has produced world class brands in textile and fashion, which speaks volume of the talent and prowess of Pakistani fashion designers,” he said. Recalling the history of PIFD which was set up with the help of French designer Olivier Lapidus, the ambassador expressed great satisfaction in seeing the institute becoming a prestigious learning place imparting quality education in multiple disciplines. He told the visiting group that embassy planned to showcase the impressive thesis work of selected students of PFIP in Paris next year as part of its Public Diplomacy Initiative. The ambassador expressed the hope that such regular training programmes would help Pakistan students in their future studies and career. The interaction with the French designing schools could also help in creating a niche for Pakistan’s fashion designing industry in France, he said. Students also shared their experiences with the ambassador about their training and study in Paris. Students and two faculty members of PIFD are currently on a 20-day training and orientation visit at the Ecole De La Chamber Syndical De la Couture, Paris, France. Pakistani girl: A Pakistani girl Maham Malik, hailing from Namal Valley (Mianwali), has secured the first position in one of the top British universities, Durham Law School, examination 2017. Maham, a student of the Frobel International Islamabad, once again brought laurels to her school from where she had done her A Level in excellent marks while bagging first position in English all over the country. She moved on to study law in one of the top ten British Universities; Law School of Durham in England. Dr Andy Hayward, Assistant Prof of Durham University in commending remarks wrote: “Congratulation on your success Maham – it is such a great achievement and a testament to all the hard work you have put in to your studies.” Durham University also gave her a small token money besides several financial awards from other law chambers in England in recognition of her toil to get first position in annual examination of the university. Asked about her motivation Maham said it was her ambition to become a barrister and serve the country. Durham Law School is a world leader in legal education and research and attracts around 17,500 students of all levels. According to the information available at the university website around 21 per cent of its student body is of non-UK origin, and with staff and students combined, around 150 countries and nationalities are represented. Australian envoy: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Margaret Adamson has felicitated the Muslims for the forthcoming Eid festival. In her Eid message, she said: “My best wishes to everyone celebrating Eidul Fitr in Pakistan, in Australia and across the world.” “Eidul Fitr is a joyous occasion that allows us to reflect on the lessons of giving, charity and tolerance. These shared values are reflected in the generosity that Muslims all over the world including the Pakistani and Muslim community in Australia have shown over the years.” “Australian Muslims play an important role in strengthening the diverse social fabric of Australia – making it a truly harmonious multicultural society.” Published in Daily Times, June 24th, 2017.