DR. AFZAL BABAR: A LEGACY OF UNYIELDING STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS COMES TO AN END

* Dr. Babar championed private schools as the backbone of Pakistan’s education system, driving excellence in student achievement
* Beyond his professional contributions, Dr. Babar personally sponsored numerous students, ensuring that financial barriers never stood in the way of their educational dreams
* Even after health challenges, Dr. Babar's tireless advocacy for educational rights continued, marking the end of an era of genuine struggle for the future of private institutions

Mahtab Bashir
0333 53 63 248
ISLAMABAD
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

Dr. Muhammad Afzal Babar, a renowned educationist and the founding president of the Private Schools Network (PSN) Islamabad, passed away in the wee hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education and the rights of private educational institutions. His funeral was held at the Bhara Kahu graveyard in Islamabad, where hundreds of mourners, including educational leaders, political figures, and local citizens, gathered to pay their final respects.

For decades, Dr. Babar was a passionate advocate for the promotion of education and the protection of private schools, particularly those that served lower-income communities. Under his visionary leadership, PSN Islamabad became a beacon of support for countless teachers and students, providing a robust platform for growth and progress in the private education sector. His untimely passing has left a void in the education community, as colleagues and students alike remember him not only as a gentle teacher but as a tireless spokesperson for education.

Zafar Sipra, President of the Federal Education Reporters Association (FERA), Islamabad, expressed his deep sorrow, describing Dr. Babar as the “champion of education.” He recalled how Dr. Babar fervently believed that education was the only key to a nation’s prosperity and fought relentlessly for the rights of private educational institutions.

Despite the financial constraints faced by these schools, Dr. Babar always emphasized that they were the backbone of the education system, shouldering a significant portion of the responsibility to enroll students and provide quality education. He often pointed out that private institutions, while underfunded, continued to outperform government schools, producing top-ranking students in national exams.

Zaigham Naqvi, Chairman FERA and a seasoned journalist, praised Dr. Afzal Babar as a remarkable educationist. "He was a staunch advocate for low-fee private educational institutions, tirelessly battling legal challenges with higher authorities on their behalf," he said. "May Allah Almighty grant him forgiveness."

Shahbaz Qureshi, Information Secretary of FERA and a journalist, expressed his shock at Dr. Babar's passing, saying, "Every time we attended an education event, Dr. Babar was always there, leading the charge. His commitment to promoting education was unwavering, and he dedicated his entire life to the cause. Just months ago, FERA lost another senior member, Masood Malik, and now, with Dr. Babar's loss, we are left in deep shock. May both of their souls find eternal peace."

Dr. Babar’s commitment to education extended beyond his professional work; he personally sponsored the education of many children, ensuring that financial barriers did not prevent them from pursuing their dreams. His contributions to the education sector were not limited to his own institutions but spread across the community, as he generously supported various causes and initiatives aimed at uplifting underprivileged students.

Dr. Babar had a deep fondness for FERA and its members. Whenever we reached out to him, he would always suggest, "Let’s meet soon over dinner or lunch and chat about this, and the many other challenges facing the education sector."

Throughout his life, Dr. Babar remained an advocate for smaller educational institutions, especially those in the private sector, fighting for their recognition and fair treatment in the face of government indifference. He firmly believed that these institutions played a vital role in relieving the burden on public schools and ensuring a brighter future for the nation’s children.

His unwavering commitment to education continued even after he suffered a severe cardiac arrest several months ago. Despite his health challenges, Dr. Babar resumed his national work, tirelessly fighting for educational rights and serving as a governing member of the Pakistan Scouts Association. His personal dedication and love for education were unparalleled, and his passing marks the end of an era of genuine struggle for the rights of smaller private educational institutions.

Dr. Afzal Babar’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the transformative impact he had on Pakistan’s education system. His vision and tireless work for educational reform will be remembered for years to come.