Egypt’s Grand Mufti announces al-Azhar University campus in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: During a recent visit to Pakistan, Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Dr Nazir Muhammad Ayyad, announced the establishment of a campus of al-Azhar University in Pakistan.

The development is set to ‘improve’ the educational opportunities in the country, particularly in fields of Islamic studies and higher education.

al-Azhar University was founded in Cairo in 970 CE. It is one of the older educational institution in the world, long recognised as a centre of Islamic scholarship and learning.

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The university has attracted some students from different Muslims regions over the centuries, as it offers a wide range of programmes – Islamic theology, Arabic language, among other disciplines.  

During his meeting with the Federal Minister for Education, the Grand Mufti talked about the importance of education for women.

He stated that more than forty per cent of the students enrolled at the al-Azhar University were women.

The Egyptian’s visit to Pakistan is part of a broader initiative to strengthen ties between Egypt and Pakistan. The Grand Mufti encouraged Pakistan students to travel to Egypt for further education, as well.