ISLAMABAD: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has lauded the Beaconhouse School System for revolutionizing education in Pakistan and making quality learning accessible to all sections of society over the past five decades.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Beaconhouse, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad under the theme “Rethinking Education: 50th Anniversary Edition”, Mr. Gilani said that Beaconhouse had played a pivotal role in expanding access to quality education through its various institutions including The Educators, United Charter Schools, and the not-for-profit Beaconhouse National University (BNU).
He also praised the contributions of the Mahmud Ali Kasuri Welfare Trust, which he said had consistently supported communities during natural disasters and humanitarian crises, further reflecting the group’s commitment to social responsibility.
Paying glowing tribute to the Founder and Chairperson, Mrs Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, the Acting President said her vision and leadership had transformed the education sector in Pakistan.
“Her entrepreneurial spirit has empowered thousands of women to enter education and leadership, generating far-reaching social and economic impact. Many of today’s educators and school owners began their journeys at Beaconhouse, a legacy that continues to shape the nation,” Gilani remarked.
From humble beginnings in 1975 with just 19 students, Beaconhouse has grown into one of the largest school systems in the world, now educating nearly 400,000 students across six countries. Gilani termed this journey “a remarkable story of vision, perseverance, and national contribution.”
The event was attended by ministers, diplomats, academics, industry leaders, and members of the Beaconhouse community. Four high-level roundtables explored the next 25 years of education in Pakistan, focusing on schooling, higher education, teacher development, and the challenge of out-of-school children. The insights will feed into Beaconhouse Vision 2050, aimed at reimagining education ecosystems for future generations.
In her address, Mrs Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri underscored Beaconhouse’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. She revealed that 19,000 students are currently studying on scholarships (excluding BNU and The Educators), reflecting the institution’s dedication to providing quality education regardless of social background.
She recalled the early days of Beaconhouse when teacher trainers were brought in from the United Kingdom, followed by Pakistani Master Trainers who later went abroad to enhance their expertise.
“These efforts helped tens of thousands of women transform into professional educators and entrepreneurs, elevating the dignity of the teaching profession and setting an example for other sectors,” she said.
Mrs Kasuri expressed pride in seeing Beaconhouse alumni excelling in diverse fields and congratulated those who participated in the alumni panel discussion during the event.
Mr Kasim Kasuri, CEO of Beaconhouse, said the institution was now looking to the future.
“We aim to understand how we, as individuals and as part of a wider global community, can continue to build a legacy like the one created for us. The next 25 years will not be defined by what we build, but by how courageously we rethink what learning can be,” he remarked.
The 50th-anniversary celebration not only marked Beaconhouse’s legacy of excellence but also set the stage for new ideas and collaborations shaping the future of education in Pakistan and beyond.
