Karachi: Sindh Madressatul Islam (SMI) marks its 140th Foundation Day today, celebrating a rich history intertwined with Pakistan’s independence movement and the education of numerous national leaders and scholars. Notably, the institution counts Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, among its alumni, underscoring its significant role in shaping the country’s educational and political landscape.
According to Sindh Madressatul Islam University, the celebration honors both the legacy and the ongoing contributions of the institution to modern education in Sindh and Pakistan. Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, the Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University, emphasized the institution’s historic role and its ongoing impact on modern education, noting that it continues to inspire generations. Founded on September 1, 1885, by Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi, SMI was established with the vision of providing modern education to the Muslim community in English to ensure their rightful place in society during the British colonial period.
The institution not only contributed leaders to Pakistan’s independence movement, such as Sir Abdullah Haroon and Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto, but also educated notable scholars and justices like Allama I.I. Kazi and Justice Syed Sajjad Ali Shah. SMI’s contribution extends beyond individual successes; it has been a cornerstone in the development of modern education standards in the region. The University’s transition from a school to a college and, since 2012, to a modern university highlights its evolution and enduring relevance in Pakistan’s educational sector.
Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s affiliation with SMI, from his enrollment in the early years to his significant bequest in his last will, exemplifies the deep connections between the nation’s leaders and the institution. SMI’s journey from the 19th century to the 21st century reflects its unwavering commitment to education and national service.