ISLAMABAD: Egyptian Grand Mufti Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad announced Friday Al-Azhar University, a renowned center of Islamic learning, plans to establish a campus in Pakistan, a move welcomed by Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who pledged full government support during their meeting in Islamabad.
Founded in Cairo in 970 CE, Al-Azhar is celebrated for its rigorous scholarship in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, Arabic studies and modern sciences. With a legacy spanning over a millennium, the university is a key authority on Islamic thought and attracts students globally.
The discussion on branching out into Pakistan took place during a meeting between the two officials, which was also attended by the Egyptian ambassador to Pakistan.
“Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, thanked the federal minister for his warm welcome and said that Al-Azhar University will establish its campus in Pakistan,” read an official statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education.
“He said it is important that people learn the Arabic language to understand the true teachings of Islam,” it continued.
The Pakistani minister highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties his country shared with Egypt, both of which, he noted, were part of the world’s oldest civilizations. Siddiqui described Al-Azhar University as a beacon of Islamic scholarship, expressing his aspiration to visit the institution in Cairo.
During the meeting, he also highlighted Pakistan’s upcoming International Girls Conference, scheduled for January 11-12, which aims to promote girls’ education in Islamic countries.
“It is a misconception that Islam does not allow women’s education,” Siddiqui said, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for women.
The Grand Mufti noted that over 40 percent of Al-Azhar University’s students were female. He also encouraged Pakistan to send scholars to Egypt to benefit from the institution’s expertise.
Al-Azhar’s operations are primarily based in Egypt, where it has campuses in several cities. Internationally, the university extends its influence by offering scholarships to students who disseminate its teachings upon returning to their home countries.
The university has also collaborated with educational institutions worldwide and established cultural centers to promote Islamic studies and the Arabic language.
In 2022, Pakistan’s late religious affairs minister, Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, announced plans to open a campus in Lahore.
The initiative, which included Al-Azhar providing faculty, curriculum and textbooks, was to be administratively managed by Pakistan.
Al-Azhar University to establish campus in Pakistan, says Egyptian grand mufti
https://arab.news/j77wk
Al-Azhar University to establish campus in Pakistan, says Egyptian grand mufti
- Founded in 970 CE, Al-Azhar is known for its scholarship in theology, jurisprudence and Arabic studies
- The grand mufti also asked Pakistan to send scholars to Egypt to benefit from the institution’s expertise
Pakistan PM gives 48 hours to draft fuel-saving plan as global oil prices surge
- Government warns against hoarding after sharp fuel price hike amid Middle East tensions
- PM wants provinces to enforce anti-profiteering measures and prevent public exploitation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked his administration to formulate a strategy for fuel conservation and austerity in government affairs within 48 hours after a sharp rise in global oil prices pushed the country to increase domestic fuel rates, a senior minister said on Saturday.
The directive comes a day after the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter, citing a surge in international energy prices triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. The situation has rattled global oil markets and threatened key shipping routes.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said Sharif had instructed officials to urgently prepare a practical plan aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting austerity across government institutions.
“The prime minister has given 48 hours to formulate an actionable strategy on savings, austerity and simplicity in government affairs,” he said in a social media post on X.
Tarar said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had also been tasked with consulting the country’s four provincial chief ministers to coordinate measures against fuel hoarding and ensure strict enforcement of government directives.
He informed the ministers had been asked to ensure that speculation and profiteering in fuel markets were prevented, adding that authorities would take strict action against violators.
“The prime minister has directed that no leniency be shown to elements involved in exploiting the public,” he said, warning that licenses of those petrol pumps violating government orders could be revoked.
Tarar also urged the public not to pay attention to rumors regarding petroleum supplies or pricing, saying the government and relevant ministries would continue to release verified information as the situation evolves.
He said Pakistan was not alone in facing rising energy costs, noting that many countries were grappling with similar pressures due to volatility in global oil markets.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs and is particularly vulnerable to global price shocks, which can quickly push up inflation and strain the country’s fragile external accounts.
