ISLAMABAD
The Islamabad chapter of the Alif Educational Alliance, a platform bringing together scholars, academicians and educationists to promote educational excellence in Pakistan, was launched here on Saturday.
The Islamabad chapter follows the launch of the alliance’s Karachi chapter a fortnight ago. The initiative aims to bring Pakistani schools onto a common platform where they can share experiences, knowledge and resources to improve the quality of education across the country.
The launching ceremony was held at the Riphah University I-14 campus. Dr Atif Iqbal of Al Huda International delivered the welcome address, while Shaykh Jahangir Mahmud, Secretary General and Executive Editor of the Society for Educational Research, a think-tank working for the enhancement of education, delivered the keynote address.
Shaykh Jahangir Mahmud emphasised the importance of cooperation and coordination among educational institutions, saying that schools could significantly raise educational standards by learning from one another and sharing their experiences and resources.
Islamic scholar Mufti Atif Karamat, founder of several non-profit organisations, including Shariah compliance services provider Naafay, teachers’ training institute Ustaaz and Tilmeez, spoke about the identity crisis faced by Muslim educationists and the challenges confronting them in the modern world.
Hashir Zuberi, CEO of Unity International School, explained the objectives and need for the Alif Educational Alliance, stressing the importance of creating a collaborative educational ecosystem in the country.
Zofran Ilahi, president of the Private Schools Association of Islamabad (PSAI), highlighted the crucial role of teachers’ training and professional development in improving teaching standards and the overall quality of education.
Ms Sarah Magrabi highlighted the role of women in the Alif initiative and stressed the need for greater coordination among teachers and educationists to achieve educational excellence.
During a breakout session, Dr Atif Iqbal spoke about the importance of effective educational leadership in improving the quality of education and strengthening institutions.
The open session provided participants an opportunity to exchange views on the objectives of the alliance and the challenges facing the education sector. Participants welcomed the launch of the Islamabad chapter, describing it as a need of the hour.
They expressed the hope that Alif Educational Alliance would emerge as an effective platform for collaboration, professional learning and resource-sharing, particularly among teachers and educationists, and contribute to improving educational standards in Pakistan.
