ISLAMABAD: Egypt’s one of the oldest and most prominent institutions of Islamic education, Al-Azhar University, has revealed plans to establish a campus in Pakistan.
This was announced during the meeting between the Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, and Minister for Federal Education Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Islamabad. The meeting was also attended by the Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan, and Secretary of Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The establishment of Al-Azhar University’s campus would improve relations between the two countries and a deeper comprehension of Arabic culture and Islamic teachings.
Egypt’s mufti emphasised how crucial this partnership is to enhancing both nations’ educational systems.
While noting Al-Azhar University’s significant support for women’s education — more than 40% of its students are female — Ayad also underlined the importance of learning Arabic to properly understand the authentic teachings of Islam.
The delegation-led by Mufti Ayad was cordially received by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who emphasized the close cultural and Islamic links between Egypt and Pakistan. He pointed out that both countries have some of the world’s oldest civilizations.
The minister also spoke about the forthcoming International Girls Conference, which will take place in Pakistan on January 11–12, honoring the Islamic nations’ drive to advance girls’ education.
To dispel misunderstandings regarding the Islamic ban on women’s education, he explained that Islam encourages education for both men and women. He emphasised that equitable educational opportunities for women are a top priority for the Pakistani government.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasised that educating women is essential to creating a progressive society and called for further cooperation between Egypt and Pakistan in promoting girls’ education.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Education promised to fully assist in the establishment of the Al-Azhar campus, according to Secretary of Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
He pointed out that more than 2,000 female students from colleges and institutions throughout Pakistan have been invited to join the International Girls Conference, demonstrating the government’s dedication to providing equitable educational opportunities for women.
