Committed to learning: It’s never too old for a PhD

Qazi Hafeezullah, 82, becomes one of the oldest to complete a PhD.

PESHAWAR:

Qazi Hafeezullah, 82, an Afghan national, has become one of the oldest people in the world to be recommended for a PhD.

Hafeezullah was recommended for PhD in Islamic Studies from the Institute of Islamic and Arabic Studies, University of Peshawar, after he successfully defended his thesis. The research scholar presented his thesis on Mullah Ali Qari Al Harvi Tafseer on Anwarul Quran and Israrul Furqan.

His supervisor was Prof Muhammar Umar, while Prof Fazalur Rehman of Islamic University Islamabad served as his external examiner.

Hafeezullah belongs to the Afghan province of Nagahar, and has served in Khost University as an instructor of Islamic Studies. He completed his Masters in Arts (MA) and Masters of Philosophy (M.Phil) from University of Peshawar.

After retiring from his service, he wanted to complete his PhD. However, due to financial constraints, he could not afford to do so. He thanked his instructors and Peshawar University Vice-Chancellor Dr Azmat Hayat for waiving off his entire fees and other expenses.

“I had always wanted to hold a PhD degree. It was the dream of my life and it was impossible for me to follow my dream without the support of the university,” he said.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2011.