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\u2019s education, and foster a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings and Arabic culture.<\/p>\n
The announcement was made during a meeting in Islamabad between Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Egypt\u2019s Grand Mufti Nazir Mohamed Ayad. Highlighting the collaboration\u2019s significance, Grand Mufti Ayad emphasized Al-Azhar\u2019s dedication to women\u2019s education, with over 40% of its students being women. He also stressed the importance of learning Arabic to understand Islam\u2019s teachings more deeply.<\/p>\n
Minister Siddiqui celebrated the shared historical and cultural bonds between Egypt and Pakistan and reiterated the government\u2019s 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\u2019s education.<\/p>\n
This announcement coincides with the International Girls Conference, scheduled for January 11-12, which aims to celebrate and enhance efforts to advance girls\u2019 education in Islamic countries.<\/p>\n
Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani assured the Ministry of Education\u2019s full support for the project and highlighted that over 2,000 female students from across Pakistan have been invited to participate in the conference.<\/p>\n