Higher Education in Pakistan and Azad

Jammu and Kashmir

Mohi-Ud-Din Islamic University

The University is run by the Al-Ahya Trust which raises funds internationally and is led by Pir Allauddin Siddiqui, the Chancellor of the University. There are 28 Campus' nationally and 6,000 students, studying predominantly science, IT and management programmes.

The delegation visited the University's sites in Islamabad, Mirpur and Nerian Sharif. The latter is situated 6,000 ft above sea level on 10 acres of land 125km from Islamabad.

The University has been established and passed by the legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Higher Education Commission has affirmed the degrees and diplomas awarded.

The delegation had meetings with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor Mohammed Khurshid in Islamabad and the Chief Executive Officer based in Nerian Sharif.

Islamabad Campus

This was based in a modern office block in the very 'European' style city of Islamabad which is the political capital of Pakistan and home to the Pakistan assembly from where the Ministers, Prime Minister and President run the country.

The delegation met staff and students involved in the undergraduate Computer and Management Science programmes and IELTS.  The Vice Chancellor Mohammed Khurshid was very interested in the University of Bradford Combined Studies Level 0 programme, and the practicalities of delivering it in Islamabad.

Mirpur Campus - Medical College

The University had a purpose built medical college with accommodation in Mirpur.  Although students have been enrolled, the delivery has not yet begun because it is necessary to build an adjoining hospital that will offer clinical practice for students.

In the meantime the premises provide accommodation for 400 children who have been orphaned in the earthquake.

There was the intention of developing a nursing college as well.  The Vice Chancellor was interested in developing links with the University of Bradford School of Health to provide education and training which would include reciprocal arrangements.

Nerian Sharif Campus

After an impressive six-hour drive through the mountains of AJK, stopping at a number of villages, and mountain top schools, where there seemed to be little evidence of concern over health and safety, the delegation reached the main campus. The impressive buildings crossed a 10-acre site where young men were scattered about playing cricket, reading or preparing for the Friday prayer.

The delegation was shown around the palatial grounds and buildings and was struck by the spacious teaching rooms and accommodation but also its functionality.  The commitment to education and self-improvement of staff and students was impressive.  The delegation discussed the concept of British 'Widening Participation' and access to higher education, once again Pakistanis could not understand why Britons of Pakistani heritage were not more appreciative of what was perceived as the 'free' British education system.

The Chief executive officer gave a powerpoint presentation around the background, funding, education provision and extra curricular activities of the campus.  We were informed that the University had its own Mosque, fleet of transport and 40 affiliated institutions.