Mehboob-ur-Rehman, an Afghan refugee, secured 1090 out of 1100 total marks in matriculation
The Government of Pakistan and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are all praise for 16-year-old Mehboob-ur-Rehman, an Afghan refugee living in the refugee village of Manzlara near Nowshera after he secured second position in his matriculation exams carried out by Mardan board. He scored 1090 out of 1100 possible marks. He was awarded a cash prize as well as laptop on the occasion.
The ceremony was also attended by the UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, Ms. Noriko Yoshida, the School Principal Mohammad Israr, and Mehboob’s family members. Some officials from the government were also present at the event.
“Mehboob-ur-Rehman deserves to be praised for this outstanding performance. We’re proud of bright students like him who are passionate about achieving their dreams,” said one of the government officials. “We have provided full access to Afghan students as every child is entitled to a quality education regardless of their race, religion and nationality.”
Speaking at the occasion, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, Ms. Noriko Yoshida congratulated the student for securing the second highest position. “Students like Mehboob-ur-Rehman are a symbol of hope, inspiring many people, especially refugee communities,” she said.
Yoshida noted that one of the UNHCR’s priorities in Pakistan is youth empowerment through investments in education and skills development, as over 60 per cent of Afghan refugees are below the age of 25. “Educated youth are the future of Afghanistan and will play a vital role in rebuilding their country,” she added.
Mehboob, whose father sells fruit at a local market as a source of earning, expressed his desire of becoming a doctor. “I will continue my studies, and I hope that I will achieve my dream,” he said.
Many Afghani students study in Pakistani schools, many of whom reside on the other side of the border and travel back and forth every day. Mehboob-ur-Rehman’s success is a show of the potential people from Afghanistan have.