By The South Asia Times 

MARDAN, Pakistan — Police in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have honored high-achieving students in an initiative aimed at encouraging academic excellence and recognizing young people for their achievements.

For the second consecutive year, Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmed Bangash organized a special ceremony for students who secured top positions in examinations conducted by the Mardan Board.

Police officers presented a formal salute to the high-achieving students, while certificates were distributed to recognize their academic performance. A special tea program was also arranged for the students and their parents.

The event brought together students, parents and police officials, highlighting an effort by the district police to engage with young people beyond traditional law-enforcement activities.

Speaking to The South Asia Times, the father of one of the students described the ceremony as a unique initiative in Pakistan.

He said the DPO had invited both students and their parents, with police officers saluting the students and publicly recognizing their achievements.

“This is a unique event,” the father said, thanking DPO Bangash for honoring the students and encouraging them to continue their education.

Addressing the students, Bangash said young people were the future of Pakistan and urged them to remain focused on their studies.

“You are the future of Pakistan and you will serve this nation,” he told the students, according to remarks shared with The South Asia Times.

He encouraged the students to give their studies their full attention, respect their parents and teachers, and think about how they could contribute to the country in the future.

“You should think about what you will become and how you will serve this nation in the future,” Bangash said.

The Mardan police chief also emphasized the importance of respecting parents and teachers while pursuing academic goals.

Bangash held a similar ceremony last year for high-achieving students and their parents, making this year's event the second consecutive annual recognition program.

The initiative comes as authorities and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa seek to encourage young people to pursue education and recognize academic achievement, particularly in areas that have faced significant security and social challenges.