The staff and board of directors of Friends of Forman are proud to announce the release of our 2023-24 annual report. This is a way to celebrate our collective impact, and transparently show how we’re being stewards of your generous gifts.

“There is much to celebrate this past year,” said Friends of Forman executive director, Rev. Dr. Roger Dermody. “The year ahead is filled with hope! Thank you for your partnership and trust. You are genuinely making God’s grace and love visible in Pakistan.”

The 12-page annual report showcases fundraising totals, expense categories, impact numbers, student stories, and information about Forman Christian College. The document records Friends of Forman’s fiscal year, which runs from July to June each year.

“Every time I share the story of Forman with people who have never heard of it, they are stunned,” said board chair, Rev. Dr. David Renwick. “I am fully committed to supporting Forman because I can think of no other institution that in a hundred ways embodies more effectively Jesus’ admonition to his followers in the Sermon on the Mount to be “salt and light.”

Here are just a few highlights included in the annual report.

Fundraising sources:

• Individuals: 58%
• Fundations: 20%
• Churches: 11%
• Investment income: 9%
• Organizations & businesses: 2%

Money given to:

• Scholarships: $788,967
• Campus Center & Library: $437,022
• Leadership & Faculty support: $244,271
• Pakistan Centre for Biblical Teaching & Research: $215,000
• Light of Hope: $177,704
• FCCU Endowments: $100,107
• Capital Projects: $56,675
• Total support: $2,049,946

FCCU Fast Facts

• University enrollment: 5,717
• Students on scholarship: 2,448 (27%)
• Women enrollment: 2,703 (47%)
• Scholarships to women: 832 (31%)
• Christians on scholarship: 911 (98%)

“When asked to join the board of Friends of Forman, it was clear the work aligned with my heart for educating persecuted women and concern for minority Christians,” said board vice chair, Heather Wright. “I am grateful for Charles Forman, whose actions provided generations, especially of minorities and women, hope and a future.”

Read the 2023-24 annual report for yourself here. Or visit the Our Impact page to view reports and audited financial statements from previous years. Thank you for your support of Friends of Forman, and we’re looking forward to even better success in the new year!

The Advancement and Alumni Office organized its annual ‘Corporate Connect‘ on November 07, 2024, in the atrium at the JTCC, bringing together senior leadership of FCCU, including Deans and Chiefs, top business leaders, diplomats, industry stalwarts and academia. Corporate leadership from a wide range of industries including banking, audit, technology, lubricants , telecom, paints, chemicals, textiles, healthcare, food and beverages, automobiles, professional groups and associations participated in this exclusive event. MCB, HBL (Habib Bank Limited), Bank Islami, Meezan Bank,MIB, Allied Bank, BDO, KPMG , Fergusson, Airlink Communications, AkzoNobel, Telenor Pakistan, Devsinc, ATS group, ZIC Oil (HI Tech Lubricants), Evercare Hospital, Jockey, Gourmet, Amanah Mall, Emkay Seeds, and Chiltan Group of Industries are some of the brands that were represented by their top management.

Distinguished diplomatic representatives, including the Chinese Consulate, represented by the Director and Vice Consul General, and Defence Attaché, the Hungarian Honorary Consul General and the Portuguese Honorary Consul General graced the occasion.

Mrs. Badia Raza, Chief Marketing and Outreach Officer, welcomed the guests and highlighted FCCU’s commitment to its seven core values. She explained the university’s outreach and commitment to make education accessible to all irrespective of financial background. In his keynote address, Dr. Jonathan S. Addelton, Rector, FCCU, discussed FCCU’s endeavors in promoting diversity, women empowerment and sustainability. He elaborated on the presence of students and faculty from different faiths, geographical and socio economic backgrounds and shared different efforts of the institution to improve and protect the environment. Dr. Rukhsana David, Chairperson of the FCCU Board of Governors and Board of Directors, appreciated the efforts of the university in the area of diversity and women empowerment and expressed her pleasure with the phenomenal growth and recognition of the institution. Ms. Jaweria Iqbal, Manager Corporate and Foundation Relations, outlined the FCCU’s Business Incubation Center facilities and functions — inviting the corporate sector to join hands in promoting young entrepreneurs and startups. Ms. Ayla Musharraf, daughter of the late General Pervez Musharraf (alumnus) was also present on the occasion and spoke briefly about her father’s Forman journey.

The event also fostered valuable collaboration between academia and industry, with participants exploring opportunities to connect, share ideas, and support entrepreneurial ventures at BIC FCCU. During the networking session, attendees were given a guided tour of the BIC, experiencing firsthand the resources available to nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Corporate Connect 2024 was not only a platform for networking but also a reflection of Forman’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Thanks to Sarah Suleman (Head of Quality Enhancement Cell) and her colleague Christopher Naeem (Data Analyst), the Fall 2024 Profile for Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) is now available, based on a September 30 “freeze date” which captured the number of faculty employed and students enrolled as of that date.

According to the demographic data provided in the Profile, 48 percent of our university students are female (for graduate programs, the percentage increases to 74 percent). Some 10 percent of our college students and 13 percent of our university students are from Pakistan’s minority Christian community, bringing the total number to 1,093 including 350 from the college and 743 enrolled in the university. Although small as a total percentage, 59 of our university students also come from the Hindu, Sikh or Kalash communities, further highlighting the diversity of our institution. While an overwhelming majority of our students are from Punjab, we have representation from each of Pakistan’s other provinces as well.

The figures are encouraging: Total enrollment at FCCU has now reached 9,324, exceeding 9,000 for the first time ever; of that number, 3,560 are studying at the Intermediate (College) level while 5,764 are enrolled in the University.

The number of faculty at Forman is slightly more than 400, with 126 teaching at the College level and 278 at the University level. Of the 404 members of faculty currently employed at Forman, 43 percent are female, and 57 percent are male. As regards to level of education, 172 of our 278 University faculty have PhDs, 69 of them from foreign countries. A further 21 of our college faculty also have PhDs.

On September 26th, 2024, the Department of Physics at FCCU organized a highly anticipated visit to SUPARCO, Pakistan’s space agency in Lahore. Around 40 students and faculty members took part in this exclusive opportunity.

The visit commenced with an engaging overview of SUPARCO, where students were introduced to the agency’s role in advancing Pakistan’s space program. The session highlighted exciting internship and project collaboration opportunities, offering insights into how aspiring physicists and engineers could launch their careers in space technology. Comprehensive instructions on pursuing a career at SUPARCO were provided, underscoring the agency’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of space experts.

A tour of SUPARCO’s various departments followed, where students gained valuable knowledge about the projects currently underway. This included a rundown of the launch of eight satellites to date, with some still in orbit. Students were captivated as they learned about the crucial functions these satellites perform, including data collection and satellite management from control rooms.

The highlight of the visit was the rare opportunity to witness satellites up close—an unforgettable experience. Walking through the satellite manufacturing facility, students were briefed by SUPARCO engineers on the intricate processes involved in designing, constructing, and launching these advanced technologies. Standing in the very room where satellites are manufactured provided an awe-inspiring glimpse into the cutting-edge field of space exploration.

The visit had a lasting impact, giving students a clear understanding of Pakistan’s space advancements and SUPARCO’s global role. Many left inspired to pursue space science, with some considering careers at SUPARCO. It also strengthened ties between SUPARCO and academia, paving the way for future collaborations. The hands-on experience, from satellite operations to direct interaction with engineers, highlighted Pakistan’s impressive space capabilities.

Student athletics is an important part of campus life at Forman Christian College. FCCU’s campus boasts a range of modern athletic facilities and fields, which allow students to participate in the sports of their choice.

A few student athletes’ achievements have earned them accolades and awards that the entire student body can be proud of. These competitors represent FCCU in several sports and tournaments throughout the year.

Cricket: Abraham

A business studies major, Abraham has represented the FCCU cricket team in two national HEC inter-varsity cricket tournaments and the FCCU athletics team in three annual athletics inter-varsity championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023. 

Throughout his four years at university, he has been an integral part of the cricket team, contributing to numerous inter-varsity championship victories for FCCU. His most significant achievement at FCCU was serving as the President of the Forman Sports Society during the tenure of 2023-24. Through this role, he developed crucial leadership and managerial skills.

Boxing: Adeen

As a boxer, Adeen has represented FCCU at many levels, including the 2024 Higher Education Commission (HEC) games. She is the recipient of a scholarship that adds an incentive to her hard work while studying psychology at Forman. Adeen greatly appreciates how FCCU always supports athletes like her.

Weightlifter: Eeman

Eeman’s success in receiving the Higher Education Commission (HEC) silver medal in 2024 as a weightlifter. Her athletic career has been shaped by unwavering commitment, countless training hours, and the invaluable support of mentors at FCCU. She is currently majoring in psychology and mass communications.

Swimming: Eesha

As a member of the FCCU swimming team, Eesha has showcased her talent in various prestigious events, including inter-university and inter-school competitions, securing several medals. In 2023, this applied psychology major won two gold, four silver, and three bronze medals.

Weightlifting: Wafia

Wafia is a key member of FCCU’s female weightlifting team and holds National Medalist and University Champion titles. An applied psychology major, she has secured gold and silver medals in inter-university championships and a bronze medal in nationals. 

She is also a recipient a scholarship at FCCU, which has played a pivotal role in balancing her academic and athletic pursuits.

Read About More High Achieving Formanites

Athletics is just one field where FCCU students are achieving. Other students stand out with their academics, research, writing, entrepreneurship, and more. 

To read more of these amazing student success stories, check out this year’s Formanite Achievers booklet created by FCCU’s marketing and outreach office.

Mr. Attiazaz “Bob” Din is the Founder and Chairman of Khazana Enterprise, Pakistan’s first hyperscale  FinTech Cloud service provider, contributing significantly to the country’s tech sector transformation and  leadership in digital transformation and AI. 

He commenced his academic journey at Forman Christian College, followed by pursuing Bachelor’s  and Master’s degrees in the United States. In 1993, he founded En Pointe Technologies, achieving  substantial growth to an annual revenue of $700 million. His achievement as one of the few Pakistani  Americans to secure a Nasdaq listing in 1996 elevated him to the ranks of the world’s elite 3000 CEO  of American listed companies, and made him one of the handful foreign born CEOs of Nasdaq listed  companies.  

Recognized as a leading entrepreneur by Ernst & Young in the United States and acknowledged in  Forbes for his contributions to job creation in California, Mr. Din has demonstrated continuous  commitment to Development in Literacy (DIL) since 1996, establishing numerous schools in Pakistan,  particularly for girls. He has generously donated cloud services to FCCU.  

In 1997, Mr. Din established Pakistan’s inaugural International Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)  center. He served on the board of the California Republic Bank for a decade and dedicated eighteen  years to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Advisory Council, including a three-year tenure as the  Chairman. Additionally, he served as the President of the Council of Pakistan American Affairs for four  years. 

Success magazine ranked Mr. Din as the #1 entrepreneur in 2000. In 2009, he founded dinCloud,  recognized as a top-five Gartner Magic Quadrant Cloud service provider for hosted desktops (DAAS).  He led Collab9 to secure the first-ever FedRAMP certification for UCaaS in 2010, significantly  enhancing government operations and security through technology. 

Through his initiatives, Mr. Din has facilitated over $100 million worth of IT services export from Pakistan  to the US, fostering the creation of several thousand jobs. His investments via Foreign Direct Investment  (FDI) have amounted to billions of rupees in tech startups.

Despite the lingering hot weather and humidity, the early Fall is a great time of year as we welcome a new class of incoming students, both to the college and the university. The number of applicants for some departments is reaching record levels, with some fields such as Computer Science, Business and Mass Communication proving to be especially popular. At the graduate level, Psychology and English have also attracted a lot of applications, making admissions in those areas even more competitive than usual.

More problematically, the Fall semester also highlights the reality that the demand for hostel space at Forman exceeds supply, a long term problem that will take time to resolve. That said, I am pleased to report that a newly renovated hostel with 85 beds on the nearby TSA/FCCU campus is opening this Fall, providing additional hostel space for female university students. Combined with a smaller hostel for female graduate students that opened its doors last year, we now have an additional 100 hostel beds available on the TSA/FCCU campus for female students. And, like our main campus, the TSA/FCCU facility is a very attractive “garden campus” with lots of green space.

Our entering classes are also as diverse as ever, including representation from many communities across the country. This year, that diversity also includes three new college students from Afghanistan and several Bachelor students from the remote Kalash valley in Chitral. In terms of numbers, the entering intermediate class exceeds 2,000 while the entering Bachelor’s class exceeds 1,000.

A summer academic enrichment program providing pre-test coaching for aspiring university students organized by our Financial Aid Office headed by Phool Shahzad has also worked hard to maintain and expand the diverse community that is so much a part of the Forman experience. This year, that program included male and female students from a wide range of areas, from the deserts of Tharparkar in the far south of Pakistan to Chitral in the far north.

This outreach program was especially intriguing and involved support from many directions including students and faculty from Chitral, Gilgit and Baltistan who reached out to members of the Kalash community in amazing ways, inviting students from that area to the Forman campus. Once on campus, a number of people including Ayesha Anwar (Guardian) and Rimesha Farooq (Assistant Guardian) along with Eileen Dass and Sheeza James from the Rector’s Office did their best to welcome the students and make them comfortable. Dr. Shahid from the Mass Communication Department who is from the Northern Areas also did much to facilitiate this program and make it possible.

I appreciated the opportunity to meet three visiting officials from the Quetta-based Balochistan Education Endowment Fund (BEEF) which provides scholarships for students from Balochistan to attend Forman. Last year, two dozen of our students from Balochistan received BEEF scholarships; this year the number is expected to increase to more than thirty.

We received welcome news from the Higher Education Commission’s Quality Assurance Agency that the provisional score of Forman’s Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) has increased from 38.16 during 2018-2019 to 75.80 during 2022-2023. This is a major accomplishment, thanks largely to the leadership, dedication and work of Sarah Suleman and her QEC team.

Thanks to our Advancement and Alumni Office for hosting another in the continuing series of “Formanite Talkies,” this one held on August 8 and focused on Forman graduates working in the media. Several graduates cited specific members of Forman’s faculty including Dean of Humanities Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan and Mass Communication Chairperson Dr. Firasat Jabeen for playing an important role in shaping their careers. Given that my first degree was from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, I especially appreciated this opportunity to learn more about what our graduates are doing in this vital area.

The late summer monsoons brought flooding to Lahore including to our campus, briefly turning Main Field into a small lake that attracted many water birds seeking relief from the summer heat and prompting a visit by the Director of WASA to explore potential ways to mitigate water accumulation during the monsoon season. Against that backdrop, the seminar hosted by Forman on August 23 titled “Climate Change, Mega Cities and Urban Floods” seemed especially timely.

Dr. Vaqas and his team at Forman’s Population Research Center (PRC) played an essential role in organizing this event which also involved several external partners including the UN Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), the latter represented by Abid Qaiyum Suleri who introduced himself as an Old Formanite; other attendees included Punjab Provincial Assembly Member Ahmed Iqbal. The importance of data and information emerged as a recurring theme throughout the seminar, along with a recognition that policy frameworks are vital and all sections of society need to become involved.

On August 8, 2024, the Advancement and Alumni Office hosted another series of Formanite Talkies, #Journalist Edition, celebrating the accomplishments of Formanite journalists. The evening began with a welcome address from Mrs. Badia Raza, Chief Marketing and Outreach Officer.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Jonathan S. Addleton, Rector FCCU, delivered insightful remarks on the profound impact of journalism and the significant contributions of Formanite journalists in the field. The event continued with a special introduction session where alumni guests shared memorable experiences, expressing their gratitude towards the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan, Dean of Social Sciences, and Dr. Firasat Jabeen, Chairperson of the Department of Mass Communication, for significantly shaping their careers.

Following that, an interactive quiz session tested participants’ knowledge about FCCU adding a fun and competitive element to the event. The evening also featured a segment of entertainment, adding a lively and enjoyable element to the proceedings. The event concluded with a networking session over tea and refreshments, offering attendees an opportunity to connect and continue their conversations.

The event received high praise from participants and was a testament to the enduring bond between FCCU and its alumni.

Written by FCCU Rector Dr. Jonathan Addleton.

Forman’s efforts to strengthen outreach this summer included a program involving approximately 45 students from underprivileged communities from across Pakistan, preparing them to take the admissions test for the Bachelor program. A variety of students participated as boarders including six from Sindh’s Hindu community; a Christian student from Balochistan; six students from Jaranwala, and five students from southern Punjab; another 20 students from Lahore are participating as day scholars.

In other sponsored by The News on July 6-7 at the Lahore Expo Center in Johar Town, providing an opportunity to showcase opportunities available on our campus for aspiring university students.

Joined by several student volunteers, staff members Nasir Gill, Fakhar Edina, Rohama Waseem, Angel Safdar and Sofia Shahzad were available to answer questions posed by the more than 120 people who visited the Forman stall to express interest in studying at our university. Speaker of the Punjab outreach, Forman participated in the Education Expo exp Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also visited the Forman stall, lending his support.

As potential students look forward to the Fall 2024 semester, Forman’s extensive financial aid programs were featured in sixteen different English and Urdu newspapers across the country including Dawn, The News, Express Tribune, The Nation, Jang and Nawaiwaqt. Drawing on the headline “Empowering Education with Financial Aid and Scholarships,” the articles noted that during the 2022-2023 academic year Forman awarded 338 million rupees in grant assistance to more than 2,300 students; for 2023-2024, the figure exceeded 430 million rupees.

Many individuals have been involved in these outreach programs, making it difficult to list names without inadvertently leaving some out. However, I do want to recognize Suleman Khairullah (Admissions), Phool Shahzad (Financial Aid), Haroon Christy Munir (MarCom) and Badia Raza (Marketing and Outreach), among others, for their vital work in this area, especially as we look toward the Fall semester and the hoped-for attainment of our enrollment targets.

About Lahore Pakistan

Forman College was established in 1864 in one of Pakistan’s most prominent cities, Lahore. Lahore captivates the hearts of those who come here to achieve their goals. Its rich culture is manifested in its festivals, literature, language, cuisine, and culture. 

The true Lahari life is visible in the city’s heart, where narrow alleys, old architecture, mosques, temples, churches, forts, museums, and centuries-old traditions prevail and speak for themselves.

About the FCCU Campus

FCCU’s campus has a parking area reserved for the FCCU community and other visitors. Three main entrances connect to this field leading up to the main campus. 

Inside the college’s walled campus is one of the greenest and most vibrant campuses in the whole city. In fact, because of its lush floral estate, many call it a garden campus.

FCCU is among the oldest educational institutions in the subcontinent with a rich history spanning over 157 years. Dr. Charles Forman founded FCCU as a college with just a handful of students. Today, it’s a chartered university. Along the way, FCCU has been a pioneer of academic breakthroughs.

The campus provides a safe space for religious and ethnic minorities. FCCU has a robust scholarship fund to help students meet their financial needs. Through the years, we have developed a foundation for providing quality education with innovative and revolutionary ideas.  

Academics at FCCU

FCCU’s four-year baccalaureate honors program offers an American-style world-class liberal arts education system with affordable tuition. Our faculty are some of the most qualified people in their respective fields. The university offers PhD programs, Masters, and executive education courses in various disciplines. 

FCCU boasts a very diverse student body with students coming from all corners of the country. Alumni are prominent in arts, literature, business, and politics.

Campus Amenities

The main ground is a common space for everyone to hang out in the sun or play the sport they choose. The newly completed campus center is dedicated to university students. There is no other center of this kind anywhere in Pakistan. It offers much-needed spaces for dining, leisure, and entertainment— all of which will foster a sense of community and student engagement.  

Many campus buildings are equipped with smart classrooms, which are fully equipped with the latest technology to offer an immersive and engaging learning experience. Smart classrooms are used to teach a variety of courses. Executive lounges offer students a separate place to study and socialize. The campus also boasts a writing center established to help students with their academic and creative writing. 

FCCU’s campus provides free wi-fi access to all students. Coupled with computer labs, students are fully equipped to study, do research, and work on their assignments across the campus. 

Extracurricular Activities

There are over 35 clubs and societies so each student can find an extracurricular activity to find their interests. This includes:

• Debate society 
• Earth watch 
• Track clubs 
• The leadership forum
• Young entrepreneurial platform
• The photography society 
• Music society 
• Foreign language clubs
• Dramatics and performing arts

FCCU also has an active sports department featuring intramural sports competitions in: 

• Basketball
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Football
• Handball
• Cricket
• Hockey
• Tennis

Athletes can use various campus facilities, including an eight-lane grass track, a football field, cricket field, handball court, hockey field, six tennis courts, a basketball court, four badminton courts, a table tennis hall, and a community wellness gym.

Other Campus Features

As a university, FCCU is concerned with teaching values and building strong positive character traits and discipline in its students. For Christian students, a weekly chapel service is offered on Friday. For Muslim students, there are two mosques on campus, and Friday prayers are offered at the main mosque. No classes are scheduled during Friday prayer or chapel times. 

The university operates emergency first response services through the Mercy Health Center, an on-campus facility equipped for the routine medical needs of the campus community. The campus counseling center is situated on the top floor of the Mercy Health Center. Its core functions are to build therapeutic relationships and provide a physical and emotional space to the community.

The Light of Hope School is an on-campus facility designed to provide quality education to about 200 underprivileged children whose parents are working as support staff. The school has state-of-the-art classrooms and activity grounds 

The campus’ botanical garden features various plants and trees, which the Department of Environmental Sciences and Biological Sciences uses for research.