ISLAMABAD, (TDI): Egyptian Grand Mufti Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad announced on Friday that Al-Azhar University, one of the world’s most prestigus Islamic institutions, plans to establish a campus in Pakistan.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by Pakistan’s Federal Education Minister, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, during a meeting in Islamabad, where he assured full government support for the initiative.
Founded in Cairo in 970 CE, Al-Azhar University is globally renowned for its rigorous scholarship in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, Arabic studies, and modern sciences.
With over a millennium of history, it remains a leading authority on Islamic thought, attracting students from across the globe.
The proposal to expand into Pakistan was discussed during a meeting that included the Egyptian ambassador to Pakistan.
“Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and confirmed Al-Azhar University’s plans to establish its campus in Pakistan,” read an official statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education.
“He emphasized the importance of learning the Arabic language to understand the true teachings of Islam.”
Minister Siddiqui lauded the announcement, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Egypt, two nations with ancient civilizations.
He described Al-Azhar University as a symbol of Islamic scholarship and expressed his desire to visit its main campus in Cairo.
The minister also briefed the Grand Mufti about Pakistan’s upcoming International Girls Conference, scheduled for January 11-12, aimed at promoting girls’ education across Islamic countries.
“It is a misconception that Islam does not support women’s education,” Siddiqui remarked, reiterating Pakistan’s dedication to ensuring equal educational opportunities for women.
Dr. Ayad echoed this sentiment, sharing that over 40% of Al-Azhar University’s students are female. He encouraged Pakistan to send scholars to Egypt to benefit from the university’s expertise in Islamic studies and Arabic.
Al-Azhar University operates primarily in Egypt, with campuses in various cities. It extends its international influence through scholarships and collaborations, empowering students to disseminate its teachings globally.
The university has also established cultural centers to promote Islamic studies and the Arabic language.
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This initiative builds on previous discussions. In 2022, Pakistan’s late Religious Affairs Minister, Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, announced plans to open an Al-Azhar campus in Lahore, with the university providing faculty, curriculum, and textbooks while Pakistan managed administrative operations.
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Al-Azhar’s move to establish a campus in Pakistan underscores its commitment to fostering global Islamic education and strengthening ties with the Muslim world.
