The Professional Education Foundation (PEF) is a nonprofit dedicated to a single objective: ensuring that high-achieving Pakistani students are not denied professional education due to financial constraints.
Founded in 2009 by Hafiz ul Haq, PEF began with 88 students in Karachi. Today, Providing financial assistance for the professional education of 27,500 students across 41 universities since inception.
For Pakistani Americans who want to give back, PEF USA is the most direct path from your donation to a student's degree. Every dollar of the donation goes directly to student tuition; the Board of Governors underwrites all administrative and operational costs independently.
A dedicated advisor reviews all Zakat eligibility
Orphaned students receive priority for funding.
Ranked among the top five of more than 450 audited charities in Pakistan.
Every rupee is fully accounted for.
With just Rs. 125,000 per year you can change the life of a whole family in 4 to 5 years
The fastest return on investment of any charitable program
A single PEF graduate increases household income by an average of 340%, affecting four to six dependents.
Words of encouragement from our distinguished supporters and brand ambassadors
For the last 16 years, all the directors of this organization have been trying to bring a change in Pakistan, and this change can only happen because of education. I have never asked anyone for money, but for this organization, I am saying that, "You do whatever you can because all these children belong to this country." These are all your children. These are my children. Pakistan Zindabad.
A Pakistani playwright, television host, and actor.
He has received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz and the Lifetime Achievement award.
Professional Education Foundation's appeal for zakat donations has a special significance. PEF's services prove how zakat can be validly used to go far beyond immediate relief to enable vitally important transformation. How gifted, capable young individuals with proven merit but who do not have funds can be given crucial, timely support in order to achieve life-changing higher education. For the benefit of Pakistan and of humanity, and of their own lives. PEF deserves your invaluable support.
Former Information Minister.
A Pakistani writer, politician.
Who is not aware of the importance of education? However, due to lack of facilities and many more reasons the education sector didn't make the required progress, but there are still a few sympathetic people out there who are working towards this cause and striving to bring the people of our nation out of illiteracy and exposing them to the light of knowledge. Professional Education Foundation is one such institution, it is full of compassionate people committed towards bringing the light of education and hope to the people of Pakistan. I am a strong ally of this organization and the work they are doing all around Pakistan. I admire their pledge to bring kids out of the darkness and into the light.
Akhuwat's Founder/CEO
World's largest interest free micro finance program.
The candidate secures admission to a partner professional school based solely on academic merit.
Household income and asset documentation are independently audited to confirm the candidate cannot finance the degree without intervention.
An independent selection committee assesses each candidate based on academic potential and professional aspirations. The process is entirely independent of donor influence.
Upon selection, donor funds are disbursed directly to the institution. The student receives a tuition credit, not cash.
Degree completion and academic standing are tracked annually. Funding disbursements are contingent on sustained academic performance.
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PEF scholar at National University of Sciences and Technology. Now serving in a Scale 17 government role.
Empowering the next generation of professionals.
PEF didn't just fund my education they restored my family's hope and dignity.
Now co-founder of Vyro, behind a globally ranked AI platform
PEF scholar from University of Engineering and Technology Lahore. Now an international designer joining Al Fahim Group in Dubai.
Achieving academic excellence through education.
Everything you need to know before making your first donation.
PEF’s Board of Governors underwrites all operational, administrative, and fundraising costs independently. The donor pool and the operational budget are legally and financially separated.
Funding is contingent on maintaining the academic standards required by the partner institution. If a student’s GPA falls below the threshold, funding is suspended and reallocated to a waitlisted candidate.
Each of the 41 partner institutions signs a formal co-investment agreement. They commit to matching donor funds through tuition remission or housing support. Institutions that fail to uphold the agreement are removed from the program.
Yes. Donors can specify their allocation toward a specific professional track (medicine, law, engineering, or business) at the point of donation.
Still have questions?
