LAHORE: The 20th edition of Pakistan’s largest international education exhibition, Dawn Education Expo, began on Friday at Nishat Emporium, attracting a significant number of students and their families eager to explore higher education options both in Pakistan and abroad. Around 70 national and international universities participating in the event offered visitors a diverse range of academic opportunities. Renowned organisations such as the United States Education Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and the British Council joined institutions from countries like Malaysia, the UK, the USA, Russia, Germany, France, Iran, Ireland and Canada, showcasing their programmes at the annual event. Throughout the day, students and parents from across Punjab visited the expo, with attendance peaking after Friday prayers. Visitors actively engaged with representatives at the stalls, seeking information on Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes as well as tuition fees, scholarships, accommodation options and application processes. Fahad Nawaz, a student accompanied by four friends, expressed his enthusiasm for studying abroad. “We’ve completed our A levels and are here to explore opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence, which is shaping industries like commerce and medicine,” he said. Fahad added that he planned to revisit the expo on Saturday with more family members to gather further insights. An international university consultant described the expo as a well-organised platform offering comprehensive support to students and their families. “While the turnout was slow in the morning, it picked up significantly after Friday prayers. Visitors are leaving satisfied with the detailed guidance provided at the stalls,” he remarked. Sheikh Hammad Amjad, another consultant, highlighted their efforts to engage visitors through three daily sessions on various courses and universities. “These sessions are helping the students make informed decisions about their academic future,” he explained. Organised annually by the Dawn Media Group, the Dawn Education Expo serves as a crucial platform for the students aspiring to study abroad or in Pakistan’s top institutions. Following its Lahore leg, the expo will continue its journey to Islamabad and Karachi, maintaining its reputation as a beacon for education enthusiasts. The expo will conclude its Lahore edition on Saturday (today), promising another day of opportunities and guidance for aspiring students and their families.