Higher Education in Pakistan and Azad

Jammu and Kashmir

The Quaid-i-Azam University

This government funded university was established in 1965 as the Islamabad University, re-named in 1976 as Quaid-i-Azam University.  This is a post-graduate University enrolling approximately 550 students each year.  It is affiliated to 6 other national post-graduate institutions including the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.  Students from the University of AJK were completing studies in Islamabad because of its destruction in the earthquake.

The University has two faculties - natural sciences and social sciences and 15 departments.  Most degrees offered were MSc, MPhil and PhD.

The University was able to offer a quota of subsidised places on a regional basis and on merit.  Students who did not meet the criteria for the subsidised places had to pay full fees.

The University was linked to a number of scholarships, including Full Bright  and the Ford Foundation.

University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The delegation was unable to visit the University of AJK as its buildings in Muzaffarabad had been completely destroyed in the earthquake. This University is the only one in AJK so its collapse meant that students who survived have been offered places at Pakistani universities to complete their courses where possible.

50 Government colleges in AJK and 8 private colleges are affiliated; however the majority of these are in the Bagh and Rawalakot areas badly affected by the earthquake. When visiting Rawalakot the delegation was struck and deeply affected by the collapsed government college and hospital buildings.  It was clear that the education infrastructure in Azad Jammu Kashmir had been devastated.

The delegation had the opportunity to meet with the Vice Chancellor Dr Manzoor Khan who was now based at the offices of the Higher Education Commission in Islamabad.

The University has affiliated colleges of engineering in Mirpur. The Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for higher education were both keen that the University of Bradford recognises the special relationship/connection it has with Mirpur and AJK and helps to re-establish the education infrastructure.  It was suggested that the University of Bradford actively encourage student/staff exchanges and develops a Mirpur campus. 

Discussion points raised by the Vice Chancellor of Azad Jammu Kashmir University

●          Need to strategically channel the link between Bradford and       Pakistan/AJK 
●          Pakistan is not seeking external funds but wishes to develop linkages with Higher Education

            Institutes in the UK.
●          There is a need for pre-degree/diploma courses in Pakistan
●          Bradford to consider UK students studying at Pakistani Universities
●          To design Programme(s) specifically for the Pakistan/Mirpur market
●          Draw together partners from the UK and Pakistan.
●          Develop business plan including costs for a joint education venture
●          Consider distance learning programmes for technical language programmes.