Türkiye–Pakistan Educational Ties Deepen with Turkish Maarif Foundation’s First School in Kashmir

Islamabad: Educational cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan has entered a new and significant phase with the Turkish Maarif Foundation set to establish its first-ever school in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, marking a major boost for quality education in the region.

The Pak-Turk Maarif International Campus in Muzaffarabad will be the Foundation’s 26th campus in Pakistan and its first educational presence in Kashmir, reflecting the strengthening bilateral partnership in the education sector.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Turkish Maarif Foundation and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Government, the AJK authorities will provide a dedicated building for the new campus, enabling the Foundation to formally launch its educational operations in Muzaffarabad.

The initiative carries strong public interest, as the planned campus will offer Kindergarten to Intermediate level education with 45 modern classrooms, catering to approximately 1,000 students. The school will deliver both national and international academic programmes, providing a state-of-the-art learning environment from early years through higher secondary education. The campus is expected to become operational in the 2026–2027 academic year, helping meet the growing demand for quality education in the region.

📢 Pak-Turk Maarif International is coming to Azad Jammu & Kashmir 🇵🇰🇹🇷

Our 26th campus, PTMISC AJK Muzaffarabad — will offer K–12 education with national & international programmes, opening in 2026–27. A new milestone in Pakistan–Türkiye educational cooperation.#PakTurkMaarif pic.twitter.com/0GCSB8mA4n

— Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges (@PakTurkMaarif) January 2, 2026

The signing ceremony was hosted by AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and attended by Harun Küçükaladağlı, Pakistan Country Director of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, Higher Education Secretary Tazeebun Nisa, along with senior officials from both sides.

The project was initially discussed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to Pakistan in February 2025 and has since been closely followed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, highlighting the high-level commitment of both countries to educational collaboration.

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With this expansion into Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools will now operate 26 campuses in 9 cities across Pakistan, currently providing quality education to more than 13,000 students nationwide.

Education observers see the Muzaffarabad campus as a landmark development that will enhance educational opportunities for Kashmiri youth, strengthen people-to-people ties, and further consolidate the long-standing friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan. (Ends)