Higher education is crucial for societal development, driving innovation, economic growth, and social progress. Unfortunately, many talented students in Pakistan are unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints, hindering their personal growth and the country’s overall development.

The Mianwali district of Pakistan, has a population of approximately 1.46 million, with 0.74 million males and 0.72 million females. The overall literacy rate is 42.8%, significantly lower than other cities in Punjab. There's a notable gender disparity: male literacy is around 50%, while female literacy is about 29%. The district's population is predominantly rural, with 79.18% living in rural areas and only 20.82% in urban areas. These statistics highlight the urgent need for educational initiatives to address the gaps in education for both males and females.

Currently, there are 17 colleges in District Mianwali, including 10 for boys, 3 for girls, and 3 for commerce. Despite these institutions, several factors contribute to the low literacy rate in higher education. These include the lack of institutes or universities offering 4-year BS programs, limited access to higher education institutions for residents of rural areas, insufficient capacity of existing institutes to accommodate the entire district's population, and the cultural norms prevalent in the rural areas of Mianwali including neighboring districts.

Establishing a university in Mari Indus, Mianwali, will address educational disparities by providing accessible higher education opportunities, promoting higher education literacy rates, fostering academic growth, and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region, including the neighboring districts of Chakwal, Attock, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bhakkar, Khushab and across Pakistan.

Syed Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi, Chairman of the Al-Aeen Educational Foundation, has undertaken a commendable initiative to bring higher education to the youth of this region and established Al-Fajr International Institute of Higher Studies. The details are as follows:

1. An educational foundation titled “Al-Aeen Educational Foundation” was established in 2019 under license of Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan 1327.

2. Al-Fajr International Institute of Higher Studies (AFIIHS) was established in 2021 under the umbrella of the Al-Aeen Educational Foundation. The foundation has secured 13.5 acres of land for the institute, which is registered in the name of the Al-Aeen Educational Foundation.

3. Al-Fajr Institute is founded on a no-loss, no-profit basis, ensuring that all financial resources are directed solely towards enhancing the educational experience and infrastructure. This unique model emphasizes affordability and accessibility, allowing students from diverse economic backgrounds to pursue higher education without the burden of excessive tuition fees. The university’s primary focus is on academic excellence and community development, reinvesting any surplus funds into scholarships, research, and campus facilities, rather than seeking financial gain.

4. The Al-Fajr Institute possesses tangible assets totaling Rs. 297.05 million in the form of land, buildings, furniture and fixtures, libraries, computer labs, office equipment, generators, motor vehicles, and electrical equipment. In addition, a sum of Rs. 26.3 million has been allocated within the Al-Aeen Educational Foundation to fulfill the requirements stipulated by governmental bodies.

5. A state-of-the-art building worth Rs.150.0 million has been constructed on the land allocated for Al-Fajr Institute at Khayban-e-Mustafa Mari Indus, Kalabagh Road Minawali. After obtaining necessary approval from the Higher Education Department, the institute has launched programs in four departments: BS English, BS Computer Science, BS Mathematics, and BBA. These programs are affiliated with University of Sargodha, Pakistan. For more details, please visit our website at https://alfajr.edu.pk/.

6. The establishment of Al-Fajr International Institute of Higher Studies has received approval from various governmental departments including Higher Education Commission Islamabad (HEC), and it is soon to be submitted to the Assembly of Pakistan for final approval of its own Charter/ACT/Bill.

7. Al-Fajr International Institute of Higher Studies is dedicated to expanding its reach by establishing branches in underserved regions of Pakistan and outside. Committed to providing accessible and quality education, the institute aims to bridge the educational gap in areas lacking higher education opportunities. By opening new branches, Al-Fajr International Institute will empower students from deprived communities, fostering intellectual growth and contributing to their socio-economic development.

Al-Fajr Institute, a project of the Al-Aeen Education Foundation, is an outstanding educational institution located in Mari Indus, near the historic city of Kalabagh, and just 5 km from the CPEC route in Mianwali District. The institute boasts a state-of-the-art campus with modern facilities, including spacious classrooms, a well-stocked library, advanced computer labs, a sports ground, a cafeteria, and a mosque. Providing a safe and inclusive environment, the institute offers equal opportunities for both male and female students in line with Pakistani and Eastern cultural values. Al-Fajr Institute offers four BS degree programs: BS English, BS Computer Science, BS Mathematics, and BBA.

Dr. Qaisar Abbas

Secretary,

Al-Aeen Educational Foundation, Islamabad.

drqaj@yahoo.com

drqaj@alfajr.edu.pk

+92-333-6700905