In a momentous event, the King Abdullah Campus of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) was inaugurated here on Friday.
The grand ceremony was graced by the presence of Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry and Director General of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Dr Saud Al-Shammari.
The project, constructed with the financial assistance of Saudi Arabia, is estimated to have cost over ten billion rupees.
The opening ceremony witnessed a distinguished gathering that included high-ranking officials from the Saudi Arabian government, Saudi Fund for Development representatives, Saudi Arabia's deputy head of mission, Pakistan Higher Education Commission chairman, and various government officials.
The financial aid for the construction of the King Abdullah Campus was approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, following the devastating earthquake of 2005, which completely destroyed the main campus of Azad Jammu and Kashmir University.
Spanning a vast area of 1017 acres, the magnificent campus includes over twenty educational buildings, separate hostels for male and female students, faculty hostels, a modern auditorium, a spacious library, state-of-the-art science and computer laboratories, a gymnasium, indoor games facilities, and ample parking space.
The Saudi Arabian government generously granted 180 million rupees in the first phase to establish cutting-edge science laboratories, driven by the initiative of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi and former President of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan.
AJK President Chaudhry delivered an address, expressing his profound gratitude to the Saudi Arabia government for their significant contribution towards the construction of the King Abdullah Campus.
He highlighted that the campus, named after the revered former Saudi ruler King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, symbolises the enduring friendship and Islamic brotherhood between Saudi Arabia and the people of Kashmir.
The President praised King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz's remarkable contributions to the Muslim Ummah, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
Dr Saud Al-Shammari, in his speech, emphasised that the Saudi Fund for Development not only financed the King Abdullah Campus but also continues to support several ongoing education and health projects across Pakistan.
He expressed his hope that this collaborative effort would further strengthen the bond of friendship and Islamic brotherhood between Saudi Arabia and Azad Kashmir, setting the stage for even stronger ties with each passing generation.
Pakistan Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed acknowledged the generous financial assistance of over 900 million rupees provided by the Saudi Fund for Development.
He praised the joint efforts of Pakistani government officials and officers who worked closely with the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir throughout the project.
The King Abdullah Campus stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, strengthening educational infrastructure and opportunities for the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
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