World’s Oldest Universities to Establish Campus in Pakistan

World’s Oldest Universities to Establish Campus in Pakistan

Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world, has announced plans to establish a campus in Pakistan. The initiative aims to strengthen ties between Egypt and Pakistan, promote women’s education, and foster a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings and Arabic culture.

The announcement was made during a meeting in Islamabad between Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Egypt’s Grand Mufti Nazir Mohamed Ayad. Highlighting the collaboration’s significance, Grand Mufti Ayad emphasized Al-Azhar’s dedication to women’s education, with over 40% of its students being women. He also stressed the importance of learning Arabic to understand Islam’s teachings more deeply.

Minister Siddiqui celebrated the shared historical and cultural bonds between Egypt and Pakistan and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for women. He noted that Islam encourages education for both men and women, countering misconceptions about restrictions on women’s education.

This announcement coincides with the International Girls Conference, scheduled for January 11-12, which aims to celebrate and enhance efforts to advance girls’ education in Islamic countries.

Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani assured the Ministry of Education’s full support for the project and highlighted that over 2,000 female students from across Pakistan have been invited to participate in the conference.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards empowering women through education and strengthening the cultural and educational ties between the two nations.