On August 4th, 2023, the King Abdullah Campus in Muzaffarabad was inaugurated by the Saudi Fund for Development. Dr. Saud bin Ayed Al-Shammari, Director General of Asia Operations of SFD, presided over the ceremony, also attended by H.E. Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir president. Other notable individuals, including Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu and Kashmir, were also in attendance along with other officials.
According to a recent press report, the King Abdullah campus boasts 15 academic departments, administration blocks, a library, a mosque, accommodation facilities, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and numerous other amenities spread over 1017 acres.
A new facility is set to accommodate 10,000 students, faculty members, and other employees to promote socio-economic growth in Pakistan. The aim is to create a sustainable economic environment by offering students the best research opportunities.
#Infographic | To enhance its development activities in #Belize, #SFD has signed a second agreement to finance the construction of a solar power plant #ProsperTogether pic.twitter.com/efG7S2dti7
— الصندوق السعودي للتنمية (@SaudiFund_Dev) August 5, 2023
The AJK president addressed the congregation and expressed profound gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia government for their generosity and hefty contribution towards the project.
“Amidst the echoes of history, the benevolence of a great nation remains etched in the hearts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. As the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Chancellor of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, I humbly acknowledge the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the visionary King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, in the wake of the calamitous earthquake of 2005. The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will forever cherish the profound impact of the substantial financial assistance bestowed upon us, which not only rebuilt our beloved university but also sowed the seeds of an unyielding friendship between Saudi Arabia and Kashmir. A bond destined to transcend time and generations, symbolizing the epitome of humanity and cooperation in the face of adversity.”, said the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, H.E. Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry.
#Belize | In support of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), #SFD CEO, Mr. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed today a new loan agreement worth $77 million with the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. @JohnBricenoBZE, to build a solar energy plant in Belize. The funded project will contribute… pic.twitter.com/4lVK8v3Ow7
— الصندوق السعودي للتنمية (@SaudiFund_Dev) August 5, 2023
The northern areas of Pakistan were hit by one of the worst calamities in the history of Pakistan on October 8, 2005. The earthquake reduced the entire city of AJK to mere rubbles destroying hospitals, roads, infrastructure, roads, schools, and colleges, and caused thousands of people to lose their life.
While addressing the meeting, The Senior SFD official recalled the havoc created by the earthquake on the people of AJK and mentioned that the key goal of the organization behind the construction of this campus is to help Pakistan get on the path of sustainable growth.
“This project is a result of the close developmental relations and successful longstanding partnership, which has existed between SFD and Pakistan for more than 47 years,” the senior SFD official exclaimed.
SFD has been working tirelessly to support and sustain Pakistan’s development since 1976. SFD has provided numerous loans amounting to more than USD 1.1 and financed several projects in the country. These projects have immensely helped Pakistan and supported various sectors, including water, health, transportation, and social infrastructure. Not only that, since the earthquake in 2005, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also provided a grant worth more than $500 to help Pakistan deal with the damage caused by the earthquake.
The Chairman of the Higher education commission of Pakistan expressed his gratitude and acknowledgment towards the contribution and financial assistance delivered by the Saudi Fund of Development.
Setting the stone for the King Abdullah Campus will be a stepping stone in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s development and sustainable growth. The milestone symbolizes the relationship between both countries. It serves as a huge testament to the efforts and work SFD is putting in to help Pakistan start new projects that will revolutionize the economy of Pakistan.
