Islamabad, Jan 11: Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in Egypt, has announced plans to establish a campus in Pakistan. The move aims to foster deeper educational ties between the two nations, promote women’s education, and deepen understanding of Islamic teachings and Arabic culture.
This announcement was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Egypt’s Grand Mufti Nazir Mohamed Ayad in Islamabad on Friday. The collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on the educational landscapes of both countries, offering new opportunities for students to explore diverse aspects of Islamic studies and Arabic language proficiency.
Promoting Women’s Education and Arabic Language Learning
Grand Mufti Ayad emphasized the importance of the Al-Azhar campus in Pakistan, underlining that Arabic language proficiency is key to understanding the true teachings of Islam. He also praised the university’s commitment to women’s education, pointing out that more than 40% of Al-Azhar’s students are women.
During the meeting, Minister Siddiqui highlighted the long-standing historical and cultural ties between Egypt and Pakistan, both of which are home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. The minister also referenced the upcoming International Girls Conference in Pakistan, scheduled for January 11-12, which celebrates the efforts of Islamic countries to advance girls’ education.
Commitment to Women’s Education and Gender Equality
Minister Siddiqui took the opportunity to counter misconceptions about Islam’s stance on women’s education, stressing that Islam advocates for education for both men and women. He reaffirmed the Pakistani government’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for women, emphasizing that educating women is crucial to building a progressive society.
Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani also pledged the Ministry of Education’s full support in the establishment of the Al-Azhar campus in Pakistan. He noted that over 2,000 female students from colleges and universities across the country had been invited to attend the International Girls Conference, highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to champion girls’ education on a global stage.
The establishment of Al-Azhar University’s campus is poised to be a milestone in the educational relations between Pakistan and Egypt, enriching the cultural and academic exchange while providing new pathways for students, especially women, to further their education.
