Initiatives at Akhuwat
Contributions and Initiatives at Akhuwat College University Kasur
(Sep. 2024—June. 2025)
Introduction
As Professor of English and Head of General Education at Akhuwat College University Kasur, my focus is on nurturing well-rounded individuals-students who are not only skilled and employable but also compassionate, ethical, self-reliant, and good human beings with strong character. I strive to help them become confident communicators, agents of positive change, and value-driven leaders who see themselves as fellow travelers committed to serving their communities. This highlights my ongoing progress and achievements, and the future direction of our language, research and general education programs, all shaped by Akhuwat’s unique philosophy of holistic, values-based education.
Major Achievements
Advancing Language Learning with Technology and Grants
Securing the $225,000 grant from Transparent Language USA (Jan. 2025) has been a true game-changer for our English language program at both Kasur and Chakwal campuses. With this support, we fully integrated Transparent Language Online into our curriculum, enabling students to access high-quality, interactive English learning resources around the clock-both in and out of the classroom. This 24/7 access has empowered students to take charge of their own learning, and the results are clear: those who engaged most deeply with the platform showed dramatic improvements in their language proficiency, with many advancing from A1/A2 (beginner) to B2 (upper-intermediate), and a few even reaching C1 (advanced) levels. Their estimated IELTS scores increased by 2 to 3.5 bands, rising from approximately 2.5 to around 6.4. Ultimately, this grant has not only modernized our approach to language education but has also helped our students become more confident and effective communicators, ready to succeed in academic and professional settings.
Academic Collaborations
Wisdom across Borders: Prof. Dr. Shahab Yar Khan Visits ACK
On April 23rd, 2025, the corridors of Akhuwat College Kasur were filled with anticipation as students and faculty gathered to welcome Prof. Dr. Shahab Yar Khan, a renowned literary scholar from the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This meaningful session, organized through the initiative of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asif, became much more than a lecture—it was a space for reflection, dialogue, and connection.
With thoughtful intellect, Prof. Khan bridged centuries and continents, linking the eloquence of Shakespeare with the spiritual depth of Allama Iqbal. He spoke of the presence of Al-Andalus in Akhuwat, praising its beautiful architecture—a place once celebrated as the hub of intellectual pursuit and cultural exchange, with remarkable advancements in agriculture, astronomy, and medicine. In Akhuwat, he saw a continuation of that inspiring legacy, where knowledge and compassion unite to foster meaningful social change. Honoring the visionary leadership of Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Prof. Khan described Akhuwat not merely as an organization but as a living movement, where each act of kindness contributes to a greater vision of hope and equity. Through his thought-provoking dialogue, he urged students to explore how literature, economics, and faith can come together to shape a just and compassionate world.
This visit marked the beginning of a promising academic connection, connecting Bosnia’s rich intellectual tradition with Akhuwat’s mission of transformation. The exchange left a lasting impression, inspiring all attendees to continue working toward a future rooted in shared humanity.
Revolutionizing Language Learning: NAMAL Meets Akhuwat’s Innovation
Date: December 22, 2024
Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Head of English Language at NAMAL University Mianwali, visited Akhuwat College University Kasur (ACUK) to explore innovative approaches and integrate modern technologies into English language instruction.
During this productive visit, Mr. Nadeem:
- Received comprehensive training on Transparent Language, a world-leading language learning platform
- Explored Transparent Language’s features and applications aimed at enhancing English proficiency
- Discussed potential collaborations between NAMAL University and ACUK to advance language education
Impressed by Akhuwat’s transformative model, Mr. Nadeem described it as “the most amazing project and a unique residential university of its kind.” He also commended Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib’s extraordinary dedication to empowering deserving students through excellent educational opportunities. This visit exemplified Akhuwat’s core values of empowerment, education, and social responsibility in action.
This collaboration marks an important step toward:
- Implementing advanced language learning technologies at Namal Knowledge City
- Enhancing English language skills among students
- Promoting inter-institutional cooperation in educational innovation
- Learning from Akhuwat’s compassionate education and community service model
Stay tuned for further updates on how these initiatives will be integrated into our curricula to benefit learners.
Transparent Language Expands to Akhuwat College for Women Chakwal
On May 21-22, 2025, following the successful implementation of Transparent Language Online (TLO)—a global leader in language learning—at Akhuwat College Kasur, this initiative was expanded to Akhuwat College for Women Chakwal to empower young girls from underserved areas and help them achieve B2-level language proficiency. This two-day training session on TLO was conducted and led by Dr. Muhammad Asif, accompanied by Ms. Ayesha Aslam, and Ms. Nabiha Saad. Over 180 students, along with 14 faculty and 03 staff members, participated enthusiastically despite challenges such as limited internet access. The training introduced TLO’s advanced features and effective language learning strategies, equipping both students and faculty to fully utilize the platform’s potential. This milestone represents a significant step in expanding digital language education in line with Akhuwat’s mission of accessible, equitable learning and the empowerment of young women through education.
English Program for BS Economics and IT: Empowering 21st-Century Communicators
At Akhuwat College Kasur, our English program for BS Economics and IT students is designed to do more than teach language-it empowers students to excel as confident, articulate, and analytical thinkers. Through an integrated curriculum that emphasizes reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and by leveraging the interactive capabilities of Transparent Language Online, students actively develop their communication skills alongside problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking. This holistic, technology-enhanced approach ensures our graduates are not only proficient in English but also equipped to tackle complex challenges and lead with clarity in an ever-evolving world.
Transformative Language and Communication Programs
For BS-Economics Graduating Students
From October to December 2024, I led a 100-hour communication skills course for BS-Economics graduating students, blending classroom instruction with Transparent Language Online modules. The program included role plays, debates, presentations, and intensive interview preparation. The results were outstanding: almost every student secured a job. More importantly, students reported feeling much more confident and articulate in professional settings. This was reflected in their language assessments as well-many advanced from beginner (A1/A2) to upper-intermediate (B2. The combination of technology and active learning truly empowered our students to become effective communicators, ready for both the workplace and further academic pursuits.
Evidence of Student Progress
Our approach is data driven, and the latest pre- and post-test results for BS-Economics students (ENG-213, Fall 2024) show real, measurable gains:
Name | Pre-Test | Post-Test | CEFR (Pre→Post) | IELTS (Pre→Post) | TLO Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saqlain Hussain | 54 | 86 | A2/B1 → B2/C1 | 3.7 → 6.5 | 47 |
Mahesh Kumar | 46 | 84 | A2 → B2 | 3.0 → 6.7 | 67 |
Ashfaque Ali | 58 | 88 | A2/B1 → B2/C1 | 4.3 → 7.0 | 36 |
Hishmat Rai | 58 | 88 | A2/B1 → B2/C1 | 4.3 → 7.0 | 36 |
Arshad Ullah Marwat | 48 | 86 | A2 → B2 | 3.0 → 6.5 | 66 |
Mazahir Ali | 40 | 76 | A1 → B2 | 2.8 → 6.4 | 57 |
Aorangzaib | 44 | 80 | A1 → B2 | 2.9 → 6.4 | 65 |
Key Highlights:
- Significant Progress: Students’ PULSE test scores increased by 20 to 40 points on average, with many moving from A1/A2 (beginner) to B2/C1 (upper-intermediate/advanced) on the CEFR scale.
- IELTS Gains: Estimated IELTS equivalents rose from 2.6–4.3 to 5–6.4.
- Engagement Matters: Those who spent the most hours on Transparent Language Online (some over 60 hours) achieved the greatest improvements.
- Holistic Growth: Beyond test scores, students reported increased confidence, stronger critical thinking, and improved communication skills for both academic and professional contexts.
English Speaking Day: A Campus-Wide Commitment to Communication
Each Thursday, Akhuwat College Kasur transforms into a vibrant English-speaking campus, where every classroom, office, hostel, and sports field becomes a space for linguistic growth and connection. English Speaking Day, launched in April 2025, is more than a scheduled event—it is a campus-wide commitment to building confidence, unity, and opportunity through language.
Participation is universal: students from all academic programs, faculty, administrative staff, and sports teams engage in guided conversations, collaborative activities, and everyday interactions—all conducted in English. The focus is on effort and encouragement rather than perfection, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to take risks and learn from mistakes.
This initiative is supported by structured accountability and ongoing encouragement. An English Day Committee monitors participation, offers feedback, and ensures that support and recognition are available for those who embrace the challenge. Workshops and training sessions further help everyone enhance their skills, while creative activities—from poetry analysis to group presentations—turn language learning into a shared journey.
The results are tangible and inspiring. Students report newfound confidence in expressing their ideas, and faculty note greater engagement and willingness to participate. English Speaking Day is not just about mastering a language; it is about building a courageous community, ready to seize academic and professional opportunities. Every week, as English echoes across the campus, barriers fall and new horizons appear—reminding us that the journey to empowerment begins with the courage to speak up and the willingness to grow together.
Akhuwat Page Turners: Growing Through Reading and Reflection
Building on the foundation of Transparent Language Online, the Akhuwat Page Turners initiative was launched on May 6, 2025, to further support students in developing their reading comprehension, problem solving, critical thinking and overall language skills.
Each month, students receive a new book, with the goal of building strong reading habits, deepening understanding, and helping students connect literary content to their academic learning. For many, this approach has made reading more engaging and relevant, especially for those who previously found it challenging.
Academic and Institutional Development
- PHEC Charter
I led the preparation and successful submission of Akhuwat College’s charter, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and facilitating a smooth accreditation visit.
Looking Ahead
The journey continues! In the coming months, I plan to:
- Expand Akhuwat Page Turners to all BS programs so more students can discover the joy of reading together.
- Make English Speaking Day even more exciting by adding movie sessions and training student leaders to guide activities.
- Launch new student groups, including the Akhuwat Adventure Club, Akhuwat Debating Society, and Akhuwat Writing Center, to help students grow, lead, and express themselves.
- Finalize the Coca-Cola grant and set up more language labs for sustainable language learning.
- Build international partnerships to give our students a window to the world.
- Invite university leaders from across Pakistan to join us in academic collaboration.
- Keep listening to students and using their feedback to make our programs even better.
This shows not just my achievements and ongoing progress, but also the true spirit of Akhuwat-a commitment to compassion, empowerment, and lasting transformation. Together, we are building a brighter future for every student.