Mr. Hafiz Ul Haq Chairman, Professional Education Foundation
Professional Education Foundation (PEF) is Pakistan’s largest privately funded non profit organization funding the professional education of students all across the country. During an exclusive conversation with Engineering Post, Mr. Hafiz Ul Haq, Chairman of the PEF, shared the inspiring story behind the foundation’s creation, its remarkable journey, and the transformative impact it continues to have on Pakistan’s youth.
Recounting the foundation’s origins, Mr. Hafiz Ul Haq said, “while visiting a university in Lahore, I saw around 30 students standing outside the Vice Chancellor’s office,” Mr. Haq recalled. “Their faces looked downcast, filled with both hope and sadness. When I asked the Vice Chancellor why they were there, he said, ‘Today is a day of both happiness and sorrow for these students.’ Curious, I asked why. He explained that these were some of the most brilliant students — each scoring above 80% in their intermediate exams — who had earned admission to the university purely on merit. But their sadness came from the fact that they could not afford the university fees.” Upon returning to Karachi, he discussed the situation with his peers. “We collectively decided to take action,” he continued. “In our first year, we supported 75 students by paying their university fees. These students came from diverse fields including medical, engineering, agriculture, business and others”
From that humble beginning, the Professional Education Foundation has evolved into Pakistan’s largest private funder of professional education. While many organizations focus on primary and secondary education, PEF identified a critical gap support for higher and professional education. “There are countless initiatives for school education,” explained Mr. Hafiz Ul Haq, “but very few for professional studies. That is where we decided to make a difference.”
Since its inception, the foundation has funded 3,350 students across Pakistan. These students come from financially challenged backgrounds, with an average household income of merely $200 per year, compared to the national per capita income of $1,850. Yet, their academic performance remains exceptional, averaging 82% marks. “These students are underprivileged but extremely talented,” noted Mr. Hafiz Ul Haq. “Their ambition is not to go abroad; they want to stay here and support their families and communities.”
Sharing one particularly heartwarming story, he mentioned, “One of our students came from Ranipur, a remote and underdeveloped village in Sindh,” shared Mr. Haq. “His father was a motor mechanic, struggling to make ends meet but determined to see his son educated. Through PEF’s support, that young man pursued his dream of becoming a doctor. After completing his medical degree, he went abroad and built a successful career. Today, he has become a beacon of hope for his entire community — funding the education of 32 other students from his extended family, covering not just their tuition fees but also supporting their living expenses. That’s the true multiplier effect of education — one scholarship transforms not just one life, but an entire generation.”
Mr. Hafiz Ul Haq proudly highlighted that all donations received by PEF are zakat-compliant, ensuring complete transparency and adherence to Islamic principles. “We’ve been audited by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) consistently over the last 15 years,” he said. “In our most recent audit, we scored 93 marks placing us among the top 1% of all non-profit organizations in Pakistan.”
He elaborated on the foundation’s cost-effectiveness: “The annual cost for one student is around one lakh rupees. In four years, a student becomes an engineer, and in five years, a doctor. Once they start their careers, they can earn back that amount within five to eight months. It’s a sustainable investment in the country’s future.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Hafiz Ul Haq emphasized the foundation’s vision for the future. “We don’t just want to fund education we want to nurture professionals,” he asserted. “Our goal is to ensure that our graduates receive professional training at prestigious institutions, enabling them to compete globally while serving Pakistan.”
