ISLAMABAD: Egyptian Grand Mufti Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad announced on Friday that Al-Azhar University, a prestigious Islamic learning institution, plans to establish a campus in Pakistan. The declaration was made during a meeting with Pakistan’s Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Islamabad. Dr. Siddiqui welcomed the initiative and assured full government support, emphasizing the significance of the collaboration for strengthening ties between the two countries.
Founded in 970 CE, Al-Azhar University is renowned for its expertise in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, Arabic studies, and modern sciences. The university has been a beacon of Islamic thought for over a millennium, drawing students from across the globe. During the meeting, the Grand Mufti encouraged Pakistan to send scholars to Egypt to benefit from Al-Azhar’s rich academic heritage and highlighted the need for promoting the Arabic language to understand Islam’s true teachings.
Dr. Siddiqui underscored the deep cultural and historical bonds shared by Pakistan and Egypt, both rooted in ancient civilizations. He described Al-Azhar as a global symbol of Islamic scholarship and expressed his desire to visit the institution in Cairo. The Pakistani minister also shared details about the upcoming International Girls Conference in Islamabad, aimed at advocating for girls’ education in Islamic countries, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for women.
The Grand Mufti highlighted that over 40 percent of Al-Azhar University’s students are female, showcasing the institution’s progressive approach to women’s education. He also reaffirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to global collaboration through scholarships, faculty exchange, and curriculum sharing. The university has previously worked with international institutions and cultural centers to promote Islamic studies and Arabic language proficiency worldwide.
This development follows earlier efforts to bring Al-Azhar’s academic presence to Pakistan, including a 2022 announcement by the late Religious Affairs Minister Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri regarding plans for a campus in Lahore. With renewed momentum, the proposed campus is expected to deepen educational and cultural ties, benefiting scholars and students from both nations.
