A representative delegation from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) held a constructive meeting with the Honourable Minister for Railways, Mr. Hanif Abbasi, to discuss the longstanding issue of restricted access at the railway crossing adjacent to Sector I-10, which has been a source of operational and logistical challenges for the university, particularly its Female Campus.
The delegation comprised Dr. Amna Mehmood (In-Charge, Female Campus), Dr. Asma Mansoor (In-Charge, Protocol and Public Relations), and Mr. Hassan Shabbir (Assistant Director, Administration and Finance), who conveyed to the Honourable Minister the problems stemming from the continued closure of the access gate. They highlighted that the university’s transport system is compelled to take an extended route to Sector I-10, resulting in substantial financial costs in terms of fuel and increased commute time, along with operational strain on both students and staff.
The representatives also emphasised that the issue disproportionately affects female students, many of whom rely on university transport from nearby sectors. The meeting drew attention to the university’s broader mission of serving the cause of education, particularly for women, and emphasized that restoring direct access would significantly improve efficiency and well-being for the IIUI community.
The Honourable Minister responded with deep appreciation for the university’s role in promoting education across diverse communities and especially acknowledged its contributions to women’s empowerment, noting that female students constitute a sizeable majority at IIUI. Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, Mr. Abbasi issued directions for IIUI to be facilitated on a model similar to that extended to NESCOM. He expressed his firm support for future collaboration with the university.
The meeting was made possible through institutional efforts at the highest level, specifically the Rector office, and reflects IIUI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructure and accessibility for its students and staff. The Honourable Minister also extended his warm wishes to the university leadership and reiterated the Ministry’s openness to support initiatives that advance educational development.