Thursday 02 / May / 2024
Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for Al-Qadir University in the town of Sohawa, Punjab during a groundbreaking ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Khan said that he had wanted to establish the university for the past 23 years, stating that it was named after Abdul Qadir Jilani, a prominent Muslim scholar born in the 11th century.
According to Khan, the university will function as a private institution. Students, he said, would receive financial assistance including scholarships.
The university, according to Khan, will focus on Sufism and science.
"Islam has been the foundation of one of the best civilisations of the world for 1000 years. We need to enlighten our children about this," he said.
"Faith is not something we can give to someone forcefully. Only Allah blesses us with faith. We cannot impose religion on anyone. What we can do is educate our Youth about Islam."
"This is the cradle of leadership that will breed great leaders of this nation. In Sha Allah! Al-Qadir University will produce the scholars and political leaders of tomorrow."
Khan's Special Assistant for Broadcasting and Information, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan added, "Al-Qadir University is ideally suited for its students as it would not only provide scientific knowledge but also inculcate their spiritual development."
Khan also accused some of Pakistan's former leaders of deviating from the country's founding vision.
"The ideology, the vision and the objective of Pakistan were long forgotten by our political leadership in recent past.
"Pakistan was envisioned to be an Islamic Welfare state. It was sad that we deviated from our destined path but now we must get back on track. Institutions like Al-Qadir University will serve as the first step towards doing that!
“When the ideology of a nation dies, the nation also dies. Economic crisis, come and go. What matters is the nation’s ideals and principles”
