MUZAFFARABAD: The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Muslim Hands International to strengthen cooperation in higher education, student training, and community development.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Muslim Hands School of Excellence, Islamabad. The UAJK delegation was led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nasir Jamal Khattak and included Prof. Dr. Wajid Aziz Lone, Prof. Dr. Khawaja Ansar Yasin (Director Planning), Dr. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed (Director ORIC), and Sardar Zafar Iqbal (Director Students Financial Aid).
The MoU was signed by Syed Javed Gillani, Executive Director Muslim Hands International, and Dr. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, Director ORIC, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Senior officials from Muslim Hands International, including Ms. Zartash Afzal (Manager Training), Mir Aman Hunzai (Manager Education, Muslim Hands Pakistan), and other representatives, were also present on the occasion.
Under this MoU, Muslim Hands International will provide scholarships, internships, startup support, and opportunities for community-based projects for UAJK students. The initiative aims to enhance students’ practical exposure, entrepreneurial skills, community engagement, and social action planning in alignment with National Development Goals (NDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education for talented but financially disadvantaged students, viewing education as a catalyst for sustainable social change. Through this collaboration, both institutions seek to remove financial barriers and open new pathways for a brighter future for young learners.
Prior to the MoU signing ceremony, the UAJK delegation, led by the Vice Chancellor, visited the Muslim Hands School of Excellence to explore opportunities for collaboration in education, training, and community engagement. During the visit, the delegation toured various sections of the campus and appreciated the academic environment, students’ enthusiasm, and the school’s distinctive architecture, which bears resemblance to the historic Alhambra of Granada, Spain.
Vice Chancellor Prof.Nasir Jamal Khattak thanked Muslim Hands for continued support and commitment to student development. In return, the leadership of Muslim Hands reaffirmed their full cooperation in achieving shared objectives of youth empowerment, education, and social development.
The Vice Chancellor also held discussions with Syed Javed Gillani, Executive Director Muslim Hands Pakistan, and other officials regarding Muslim Hands’ contributions to the social sector in Pakistan, as well as future collaboration in education, training, and youth development.